Studying fundamental civic space rights and freedoms following the Taliban’s return to power in mid-August 2021, as well as open-ended interviews with Afghanistan’s HRDs, along with support networks, such as donors and INGOs are key aspects of this research. Research Design This research involved a range of data collection methods as follows: Desk Research: includes extensive review of critical literature, such as research reports from civil society and think-tanks, and the Taliban’s policies and directives since its rise to power. Open-ended Interviews: have been conducted with 32 HRDs from Afghanistan residing in transit countries, i.e. Iran and Pakistan, as well as those who have been relocated to various Western countries, such as EU, Canada and USA. Participants were screened and selected in close consultation with the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), focusing on HRDs with strong background in human rights. Priority was given to those who have been continuing their activism in exile since being relocated. It also included HRDs with experience in establishing human rights organisations in exile. This approach reflected diverse perspectives from HRDs, ensuring gender and geographical balance. Interviews were also held with eight key donor communities and major INGOs. It included those donor entities and INGOs, which have been actively involved in providing relocation and emergency assistance to at-risk HRDs following the regime change in mid-August 2021. Interview Questions: A separate set of questions was designed for each category of interviewees to roll up an exhaustive 8 understanding of their unique journeys and perspectives. One set of questions targeted donor communities and INGOs, while another focused on exiled HRDs in countries across Europe, Canada and USA. In addition to a distinct list of questions for HRDs with experience in establishing organisations in exile, an exclusive category of questions was designed for HRDs in transit countries such as Iran and Pakistan. Focus Group Session: In the third phase of the research, a one-day interactive group session was conducted in Geneva, bringing together twenty participants, including 12 Afghanistan’s HRDs in exile and eight representatives of, both donor communities and INGOs. The group session aimed at reflecting on the existing and emerging needs of HRDs in exile, in transit, and those inside Afghanistan. The session provided the attendees an avenue, not only to exchange their views and experiences, but also articulate their needs and recommendations to respond to those needs more effectively. During the group session, representatives of donor communities and INGOs presented their own organisational position in support of Afghanistan’s HRDs in exile. Their inputs during the session contributed greatly to navigate possible long-term assistance, as well as the existing challenges around these efforts. Research Significance Given the evolving social, economic, political, and security circumstances in Afghanistan, this research is contextually relevant and timely. It highlights the existing, emerging, and long-term needs of Afghanistan HRDs in exile, in transit, and those inside the country alike. Understanding the HRDs situation is important for developing and undertaking targeted interventions and introducing long-term support mechanisms that help them continue their human rights work