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SPONSOR A FAMILY
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They stood up for justice, now it's our turn. Donate today. Every dollar counts. Every life matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Time is running out. A group of brave Afghan rights activists and their families—women, journalists, educators, and community leaders—are trapped in Islamabad, hiding from authorities who are moving to deport them back to Afghanistan. These are people who have been imprisoned, tortured, and/or injured by the Taliban already. If they are forced to return to Afghanistan, they risk imprisonment, torture, or even death at the hands of the Taliban.
These individuals stood up for freedom, equality, and democracy, refusing to be silenced. They fought for women’s rights, education, and justice, and now they are in danger because of their courage. If we allow them to be deported, the message to others is clear: speak up, and you will be abandoned.
But we can change that. We can show that standing up for what is right does not mean standing alone.
The Brazilian government has opened its doors, offering humanitarian visas to Afghan refugees. We are working with Brazilian resettlement agency Panahgah to get these brave souls and their families to Brazil before it's too late.
Every donation helps secure:
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Flights from Islamabad to safe third countries like Brazil
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Legal and logistical support to process visas
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Safe passage for families facing extreme danger
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Resettlement support for a year through in-country resettlement agencies
Our estimate of $1.5 million is based on $1200 plane ticket and 1 year resettlement in Brazil, based on Panahgah's internal cost calculator. Because this is a dynamic situation, funds will be used towards whatever path is first available for members of our group to leave Islamabad. To keep up with how your donations are being used, please follow us on social media. Your support means a life saved, a family given a second chance, and a future reclaimed.
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This is a joint effort between Food for Thought Afghanistan, HeartWork.earth, Avaaz, and Udhara.
We are partnering with Panahgah, an approved Brazilian resettlement agency.
Major Donors For This Campaign
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To date, cases for 10 human rights activists and their families have been sent from Panahgah to the Brazilian government for approval. Another 11 activists and their families are currently being reviewed by Panahgah who we hope to have sent on to the Brazilian government within days. The Brazilian government has sent additional staff to their embassy in Islamabad to speed up the issuing of humanitarian visas and we are hopeful that the first group will arrive in Brazil in mid May.
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From the funds that have been raised so far, a payment of $142,115 was made to Panahgah to cover 1 year of resettlement costs for 32 individuals. As soon as we are informed that the next group is ready to be sent to the Brazilian government for approval, we will send a payment of $144,000 for their resettlement costs. The remainder of the funds raised thus far are being used to pay for visas, emergency needs, and flights for these individuals. As we raise funds, they will be put to use to get as many people to safety, as quickly as possible. Administrative costs thus far are less than 1% and will be kept under 10% for the entire process.
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In addition to people going to Brazil, we are persuing other avenues for resettlement. 7 activists have been presented to the Spanish government for resettlement. 2 activists are preparing to take advantage of a "humanitarian corridor" opening up in Italy this month. 1 has been granted asylum in Canada. In bits and in batches, we are committed to getting everyone to safety.
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Sponsor A Family
Learn more about the Afghan activists and their families who are waiting to be evacuated to safety and sponsor an entire family today!
Each sponsorship enables a family’s safe and legal relocation to Brazil via a humanitarian visa pathway coordinated by Panahgah, a certified civil society organization working closely with the Brazilian government. Panahgah ensures legal compliance and provides on-the-ground support for arriving families.
The main partner managing this sponsorship construct is Food for ThoughtAfghanistan (FFTA), in close collaboration with HeartWork and Avaaz. FFTA and HeartWork jointly manage all case handling and program coordination, working
directly with the families from pre-departure until they are resettled in Brazil.
Sponsorship covers three key areas
1. Travel Costs:
● Flight tickets: ~USD 1,000 per person
● Exit permits: USD 850 per person (mandatory fee required by Pakistani authorities to leave the country)
2. Settlement Support in Brazil:
● Safe temporary housing
● Medical care (including urgent treatment and medication)
● Psychosocial and trauma support
● Access to education for children
● Vocational training, language courses, and support into employment
3. Case Handling and Program Management (10%):
This ensures personalized support, translation, document preparation, logistical coordination, and emergency response throughout the journey—from visa processing to arrival in Brazil.
A typical sponsorship for a family of five amounts to approximately USD 36,000. Exact totals vary depending on family size. Sponsors are required to commit to the full amount—a legal requirement under Brazilian humanitarian visa law,
which mandates that resettlement funds must be available for at least one year to ensure dignified integration.
Your support isn’t just a donation—it’s an act of profound solidarity. It’s a way to say: You are not forgotten. Your courage is seen. We will stand with you until you are safe.
Food For Thought Afghanistan is registed as a fundraiser and not-for-profit corporation in the state of Minnesota. Our application for 501c3 federal tax exempt status is in process. FFTA follows all applicaple laws and best practices for organizational transparency and accountability. Documentation available on request using the contact form.