South Asia

In South Asia, we work on both sides of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and in Afghanistan. In these regions, we support local initiatives to promote opportunities for building peace and trust in the region.

Violent conflict has dogged both Jammu and Kashmir, and Afghanistan for several decades, claiming tens of thousands of lives. Regular clashes between the security forces and disaffected Kashmiri youth in the Valley, sustain the cycle of violence and conflict. In Afghanistan, the conflict remains unresolved and the country faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

    Meeting on Chakothi Bridge Jammu and Kashmir
    Jammu and Kashmir

    India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Jammu and Kashmir. Territories controlled by each state are divided by the Line of Control (LoC), which separated families and severed villages. We work to increase collaboration across the LoC, and build opportunities for Kashmiris, including youth and women, to participate in economic and public life. 

    Mural in Afghanistan reading "The body of the country needs medication"
    Afghanistan

    Afghanistan has witnessed armed conflict for over 40 years. Following the US withdrawal in 2021, a period of transition and Taliban rule emerged. Instability remains because of political and security contestations, magnified by the humanitarian crisis. We support local initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue between conflict parties to reduce violence, enabling the provision of basic services to communities, and consolidating peaceful societies.

    Urfi

    The more people I met from the other side, the more my perceptions changed. We may have different languages, education and culture but we can accommodate these differences

    Mohammed Arif Urfi
    Pakistani-administered side of Jammu and Kashmir
    Read Urfi's story

    Our work in action

    In South Asia, we work on both sides of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and in Afghanistan. Read more about our work in action.
    Partners from Jammu and Kashmir during a workhop

    Our partners in South Asia

    Our programme partners are at the heart of what we do. These relationships, often developed over years and even decades, are crucial to making peace possible.