Diaspora and more. Civil society engagement of Afghan and Syrian communities in Germany
Study | July 2025
In recent years, Afghans and Syrians have been among the largest groups of refugees seeking protection in Germany. They have founded numerous organisations that work on behalf of their respective communities or countries of origin. The civil society involvement of refugees is only beginning to be recognised in policymaking and research. The SVR's scientific staff interviewed Afghan and Syrian organisations in Germany about their work. As the study shows, the organisations undertake a broad spectrum of activities. The study provides an overview of their history, special features, potential and challenges. Differences and parallels between Afghan and Syrian organisations are also addressed.
The study is part of the research project ‘Transnational Networks and Civil Society Activities in the Context of Forced Migration: The Afghan and Syrian Communities in Germany’.
