Please help with Afghan LGBT

Dear Sir/Madam

My name is Madina R., an Afghan transgender girl currently living alone in Pakistan. I am also one of the activists of the Powerful Afghan Women’s Movement in Islamabad.

I must say that I cannot speak about the problems and threats I faced in Afghanistan. Even talking about them makes me feel ashamed and broken. You can get the details of my case through UNHCR.

I graduated from grade 12 in 2020. After that, I studied dentistry at the National Private University of Kabul for two years. However, after the Taliban took over, universities were closed, and I couldn’t continue my education. I speak English and have a TOEFL certificate.

Eventually, in search of safety and dignity, I fled Afghanistan. With the guidance of my father and after going through a lot of hardships and spending a lot of money, I managed to get a visa to Pakistan. If I am found and forced to return to Afghanistan, I will be killed.

I registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Pakistan. However, it has now been more than 15 months, and I am still waiting for a response from these organizations. No one replies to my emails, and when I call, they only say: “Please wait.” You yourselves know very well how difficult it is for a lonely and helpless girl to survive like this for a year and a half.

I live in a poor neighborhood, in a ruined room. My life is in danger, and I have no money. I survive by eating dry bread twice a day. I went to the Urban Cohesion Hub office many times and explained my economic situation, even about my debt and inability to pay my room rent. I also met several UNHCR representatives, but nothing helped. A month ago, a lawyer called and said that financial aid was approved for me and they would call again in a day or two to give it. But since then, I’ve received no call and no money. I am confused and don’t know what to do.

I am sending this letter with great hope, honesty, and helplessness. I swear to God, my only hope is that you hear my voice and convey it to the responsible authorities. I am a human being — a lonely girl — simply looking for safety, peace, and a life worthy of human dignity. 

With deepest respect and hope,

Madina R.