Afghan diaspora in Europe: The agents of peace and development

In 2015 and 2016, Afghans made the second largest refugees after Syrians in European countries, but in the following years, the number dropped dramatically not because Afghanistan became safe rather the EU changed their policies towards migrants and asylum seekers. The war in Afghanistan has not ceased and the socio-economic problems have deteriorated. From 1 January to 30 September 2018, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented 8,050 civilian casualties (2,798 dead and 5,252 injured), reflecting extreme levels of harms to civilians. This high number of casualties indicate the intensity of a never-ending conflict, which has dispersed millions of Afghans around the world. The increasing number of Afghan associations in Europe and Austria in particular struggle to fight stereotypes, organize political and cultural events, assist the second generation of Afghans with national languages, participating in sport events and supporting women. Afghan women are one of the most under-represented segments of Afghans both in European societies and also within Afghan diaspora communities in particular. The research attempts to provide an in-depth understanding of transnational Afghan diaspora communities in Europe. This study explores the political, religious and ideological background of ADE with a special focus on Afghan women and their contribution in the development of country of origin. The study will also highlight the major ethnic, political and religious differences that have kept the diaspora communities apart from each other. For example in Austria, VIDC attempted on a number of occasions to bring various Afghan diasporic associations under an umbrella organization (Dachverband), but the efforts went in vain due to language, ethnic and prestige supremacy. Similar attempts have been made by CIM in Germany, but produced close to no effect. Despite of positive engagement of Afghan diaspora in their new home, they remain fragmented through ethnic and linguistic lines.