1. HRDs in Transit Countries (Iran and Pakistan) HRDs and activists in transit recounted distressing experiences from their time in Iran and Pakistan. They highlighted economic constraints as a primary concern for themselves and their families, particularly due to the lack of work permits and high unemployment rates for Afghanistan nationals in these countries. WHRDs face greater financial risks when compared to their male counterparts, largely due to existing gender-based discrimination in these countries. Afghanistan’s WHRDs often endure exploitation, such as receiving significantly lower wages than men for similar work. One WHRD shared her experience of daily gender-based discrimination in Iran, noting “Iranian employers unlawfully withhold wages from Afghanistan workers, especially when they are undocumented, who lack largely legal and institutional protection and they cannot raise their concerns or lodge legal complaints.”42 Consequently, many HRDs struggle to pay rent, bills and living expenses, and are unable to send their children to school. Difficulties surrounding getting visas, mainly to Pakistan, has and continues to be a painstaking journey for many HRDs, putting them in a tight financial position. For example, during the focus group session, one HRD described that “skyrocketing cost of the visas - rising from 60 USD prior to the Taliban takeover to 600 USD - have now turned their plight into a business model for relevant Pakistani authorities.”43 This often results in many HRDs entering this country through irregular ways and 42 Anonymous, “Women Human Rights Defenders in Iran,” In an Interview with the Author, May 15, 2024. Anonymous, “Afghan Human Rights De43 fenders in Germany,” In a Focus Group Session, June 21, 2024. 18 without visas. Those who manage to get visas and take refuge in countries such as Pakistan and Iran, have their visas getting expired shortly after a few months of stay. Difficulties in getting extensions pose fresh significant risks of deportation. This issue has been unanimously described by all HRDs as a "nightmare" that threatens their daily life. They often resort to using informal channels, such as the black market in Pakistan, to extend their visas, which demands substantial amounts of money. Given their already diminishing financial capacity, many HRDs with several family members cannot afford these costs, putting them at greater risk of exploitation and deportation. Lack of valid visas also undercuts their access to mobile SIM cards and internet services, which automatically leads to their further isolation. Those who seek asylum while in transit countries meet growing uncertainties that further exacerbate their situation. During the interviews, HRDs have also shared troubling stories of health issues. For instance, one WHRD, who has been residing in Pakistan for over two years stated, “The uncertainty surrounding our lives in Pakistan has led to numerous mental health problems for many families, particularly WHRDs.”44 Living conditions, such as shared accommodations with unsanitary toilet facilities and lack of proper insulation, heating, or air-conditioning, further deteriorate their well-being. Interviewees also reported of increasing rate of suicides among HRDs in the transit countries.45 In addition to health concerns, many HRDs are worried about their security. High-profile HRDs with extensive human rights experience or sensitive records often 44 Anonymous, “An Afghan Journalist and Human Rights Activist in Pakistan,” In an Interview with the Author, May 17, 2024. Anonymous, “Afghanistan HRDs in Pakistan,” 45 In an Interview with the Author, April 2024.