On the 23 rd of April 2025, the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA)hosted a focus group as part of a collaborative research project with Royal Holloway,University of London, entitled Asylum Seekers’ Experiences and the Impact of DigitalTechnology. This...
Blog
Providing analysis of the issues facing refugees and migrants in the Afghan communities, offering our views on current affairs, and reporting on our challenges and successes as an organisation.
Empowering Future Voters: Dr. Nasimi Visits Chiswick Schoolto advocate Youth Democratic Engagement.
In a talk filled with vibrance and curiosity, Dr. Nasimi, Founder and Director of theAfghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), visited Chiswick School to speak withSixth Form students about democratic participation, electoral rights, and the power of youthin...
Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE on Data Policy, at Royal Holloway University
This week, Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE, Founder and Director of the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), took part in an inspiring interdisciplinary panel on “Data, Society and Policy” at Royal Holloway, University of London. He was joined by fellow...
EID celebration at ACAA
A Vibrant Eid Celebration at Ferdowsi Hall at Afghanistan and Central Asian Association Eid is a time for joy, unity, and celebration, and this year’s Eid function at Ferdowsi Hall on March 30th was nothing short of spectacular. The day began with a beautiful prayer...
Nowruz Iftar
This year, the dates of Ramadan and Nowruz coincide. With both holidays being very important to people from Afghanistan, Iran and surrounding countries, the occasion called for an exciting occasion. On the 22nd of March, the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association...
Senate House
Youth iftar
As part of our ongoing Richmond Project, this evening’s youth Iftar was a beautiful reminder that Ramadan is about much more than just breaking fast — it's about coming together, sharing stories, and uplifting one another. Held in a warm and welcoming environment, the...
Community iftar
Women of Afghanistan & Refugee Wome: The fight for freedom and equality
To mark International Women’s Day 2025, the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association (ACAA) convened a powerful and timely panel discussion at the UK Parliament. The event brought together an inspiring group of women, refugees, politicians, campaigners, journalists...
Understanding the Role of Social Workers: Insights from the NSPCC Workshop at ACAA
On the 15th of January 2025, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Children (NSPCC), a child protection charity and partner organisation of ACAA, held an enlightening workshop at the ACAA Feltham office. The session aimed to clarify the role of social...
ACAA celebrates Shabe Yalda: The triumph of light over darkness
As winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, the Afghan diaspora prepared for one of their most cherished traditions—Yalda Night. Known as the longest and darkest night of the year, Yalda falls on the final evening of the Persian month of Azar, marking...
Send refugees back, is it allowed?
Under international refugee law, the principle of non refoulement prohibits any member or non member states from returning people to countries where they may face persecution, torture, inhumane or degrading treatment and/or other violations of the human rights. The...
Empowering Afghan Women Through Language: ACAA’s ESOL Classes for Women in Afghanistan
“On behalf of all the girls trapped in this cage, I appeal to all of you, urging you to show your humanity and rescue us from this darkness.” At the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), we’re thrilled to introduce our unique English for Speakers of Other...
Beyond the Jewellery Quarter: Connecting with ACAA Birmingham
As a Legal Intern at ACAA's head office in London, I've always been inspired by the organisation's dedication to supporting those seeking refuge and safety. But it wasn't until I connected virtually with our new Birmingham office that I truly grasped the impact of...
ACAA Celebrates Launch of Rehabilitation and Reintegration Project with the Ministry of Justice
The Afghanistan & Central Asian Association (ACAA) recently celebrated the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting recently released minority ethnic groups on probation as they reintegrate into society. “It is with immense pride that we are, for...
Challenges imposed on the asylum seekers in the UK
The UK, with its long and extensive history regarding immigration, is no stranger to the growing refugee crisis that befalls the current international climate. In the last year alone, the UK saw a 247% increase in the number of asylum seeker applications the...
A Journey of Personal Growth and Advocacy: Lessons Learned from Working with Refugees
My journey with the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) has been a profoundly transformative experience, one that has not only shaped my understanding of the world but has also deepened my commitment to advocating for justice and fairness. Coming from a...
A New Chapter Begins: Launch of the ACAA Mental Health Workshops in Croydon
On the 25th of September 2024, the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) reached a significant milestone, marking a new chapter in our journey to support vulnerable communities. Travelling from Feltham to the vibrant borough of Croydon, we proudly launched...
A volunteer’s path to supporting refugees through the ACAA
Growing up in a close-knit community, I was constantly surrounded by people helping others. This exposure to kindness sparked my passion for making a difference. I found myself drawn to politics, possibly influenced by my experience studying A-Level Politics, and it...
The Cancellation of the Rwanda Scheme: What Next?
The Rwanda Plan: A Controversial Deterrent The 'Rwanda Plan,' proposed by the Conservative government in 2022, aimed to deter asylum seekers from attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats. Under the plan, asylum seekers who travelled to the UK...