Trafficking of women and children in Afghanistan remains high. In 2021, the U.S. State Department identified Afghanistan as one of the worst countries for human trafficking. To make matters worse, many counter-trafficking initiatives in the country have been shut down or severely limited in the last few years.  

Counterpart International is pleased to announce the launch of the new Countering Trafficking in Persons III project, which will work closely with local civil society organizations in Afghanistan to reduce cases of trafficking and provide survivors with counseling and services to reintegrate them into their communities. The project will also strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders and local organizations to protect survivors and prevent further exploitation.   

This three-year partnership with USAID comes at a critical time to support trafficking survivors in Afghanistan with the care they need. Our work will allow shelters to stay open and continue their operations, effectively providing life-saving care to populations vulnerable to human trafficking, especially children. With over 20 years of experience in Afghanistan, Counterpart is a long-serving USAID implementer with an extensive network of local partners that we will leverage to support trafficking survivors. 

In partnership with local civil society and media organizations, Countering Trafficking in Persons III will put in place sustainable mechanisms for long-term trafficking prevention and protection.  

“We are looking forward to working in Afghanistan once again, this time to support women, children, and other populations vulnerable to trafficking,” said chief of party Ramin Nouroozi. “By reducing the prevalence of trafficking, we are working towards a safer Afghanistan.”