About AoAAS

The Association of Afghan Academics in Sweden is an academic civil society forum founded by Sweden-based academics with backgrounds in Afghanistan. The association is dedicated to advocating for academic freedom, the right to education, human rights, and democracy. Given the ban on schooling for girls beyond the sixth grade and the restrictions on women’s employment and civic engagement in Afghanistan as indications of some of the most egregious violations of human rights in modern times, our current focus is Afghanistan. However, the association is committed to advocating for and supporting human rights, democracy, access to education, and equal participation in societies across the globe.

We strive for unconditional access to education for all and for freedom in academic activities, such as research, teaching, expressing opinions, and publishing, without censorship or political pressure. By integrating human rights values into academic life, monitoring and documenting violations of fundamental human rights, and amplifying the voices of those who have been denied these rights, we aim to contribute to building democratic institutions and societies through civic and academic engagement and to support those whose rights have been infringed. To advance these aims, we conduct research, collaborate with other organizations engaged in similar work, and produce publications and reports to raise awareness of violations of these rights. As an academic association, we believe that lasting change should be pursued through dialogue, reasoned discussion, solidarity, and civic movements rather than violence. We also believe that societies thrive when everyone is accepted and has equal opportunities, regardless of gender, identity, ethnicity, or religion.

We welcome members who share these commitments and wish to join us in building safer, more educated, and dignified societies where everyone is free to think, learn, and express their views without fear.