The data from HRDs’ interviews and focus group session presents mixed results in terms of local assistance and support from the government entities in host countries. HRDs have argued that their human rights work receives some level of support as long as it aligns with and meets the local and foreign policies of host countries. This support, however, weakens when HRDs question the politicised nature of this assistance. This selective approach by host countries has led to a growing sense of disillusionment, with certain countries across the EU, as well as those in Canada and USA who have largely failed to uphold consistent and principled human rights support. For example, recently countries such as Germany in the EU and beyond, are considering resuming diplomatic ties with the Taliban, despite the regime’s systematic human rights violations. While expressing their frustration over this decision, many of these HRDs describe this move as “a betrayal of themselves and a collaboration with the Taliban.”61 It has also been found that the disparity in the treatment of HRDs from different countries further complicates their situation while in exile. For example, Afghanistan’s HRDs based in Ireland reported receiving adequate, need-based support from both state and non-state sources, including proper accommodation, counseling services, trauma and other well-being. In contrast, those in Norway, Germany, or Austria encounter greater challenges and lack cooperation from state authorities and local solidarity networks, such as local CSOs. These HRDs also highlighted double standards that exist, where Afghanistan’s HRDs are often deprioritised in favour of activists and defenders from other certain countries riddled with conflict in the region. This approach created a 61 Anonymous, “Afghan Women Human Rights Defender in Germany,” In an Interview with the Author, September 25, 2024. 24 fragmented support network, making it difficult for Afghanistan’s HRDs in their host countries to build effective networks and communication with relevant local entities, and or secure funding to engage in meaningful advocacy. Additionally, HRDs in exile also called for tailored support such as psycho-social services while living in their host countries. The exiled HRDs are facing pressure from both the demands surrounding their integration in their host countries, as well as the expectations from their family members and HRDs inside Afghanistan. They are often considered to be in “safe physical space,” and therefore, are expected to do more for HRDs inside Afghanistan. While struggling to fulfill expectations in host communities, such as learning the language, adapting to their new environment, and finding a career amid limited financial resources for their human rights work, high expectations from HRDs based in Afghanistan puts more pressure on them. Therefore, the provision of psycho-social services is critical for the well-being and professional development of exiled HRDs, enabling them to improve the quality and effectiveness of their human rights work. Meanwhile, one WHRD based in Canada spoke of negative cultural perception and stigmas towards individuals who receive and seek trauma and psychosocial services. According to this WHRD, individuals in need of trauma and psycho counseling are often labeled and or judged for seeking such help, and thus, have later negative impacts on their career and professional life. Therefore, many people, including her, who were in need of such help, did not refer to health centers to avoid such social stigmas. HRDs in exile also expressed a strong need for relevant educational support programmes from their host countries.