Source: Author generated using data from interviews with Afghan HRDs in transit (Iran and Pakistan) HRDs based in Iran in comparison with those in Pakistan. It is partly due to the government’s tight control over human rights work, which keeps the civic environment in Iran largely repressed. 2. HRDs in Exile A large number of Afghanistan’s HRDs who have been evacuated to EU countries, as well as Canada and the USA, are in a comparatively better position than those living in transit countries such as Pakistan and Iran. Therefore, these HRDs are having more opportunities to continue their human rights work from abroad. Few of them have organised to register and establish new human rights organisations in exile, while some have regrouped themselves in other local and international coalitions to advance their human rights work in exile. However, the road has not been so straightforward for them either. They struggle to adapt with their new 20 environment in their host countries, not only to meet the integration expectations, but also to create a space for their human rights advocacy for Afghanistan. Below is a thematic interview analysis of challenges faced by and protection needs of Afghanistan’s HRDs in exile. 2.1. HRDs and Practical Challenges to Their Work in Exile The vast majority of HRDs interviewed expressed the lack of an adequate and responsible source of funding51 as the primary impediment to their work while in exile. They also cited that sometimes small grants exist, but these only cover limited and short-term projects, and do not target necessary organisational costs 51 Responsible funding refers to long-term, direct, dedicated, and flexible funding, supporting both institutions and individuals in a way that is context-specific. Responsible funding also speaks to a decolonized model of funding that is participatory, inclusive, and that promotes downwards accountability. Source: Final Evaluation of ‘Institutional Support and Advocacy in Favour of Afghan CSOs Working with Afghans at Risk’ Program, Conducted by: SWEN Stichting.