About Us
From the People, For the People of Afghanistan – A Long Journey from Service to Global Impact
The Afghanistan Refugees Rescue Organization (ARRO) has its roots in the challenging and transformative years of Afghanistan’s recent history. The founders of this organization have long been active within civil society, non-governmental institutions, and grassroots initiatives—standing alongside the Afghan people and working for support, awareness, and community empowerment.
Following the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 2021 and the resulting humanitarian crisis, these efforts evolved into a more structured and international response. In 2023, ARRO was officially established in Brazil to address the urgent needs of Afghanistan refugees and vulnerable Afghanistan communities in that country.
To continue this humanitarian mission and to strengthen the voice of Afghans on the international stage, the United States office was founded in Virginia in 2024. This branch now serves as ARRO’s active presence in North America, leveraging the resources and partnerships available in the United States to expand services, advocacy, and global cooperation in support of the Afghanistan people.
What Makes Us Different?
- ● We come from within the Afghan people; we have felt the pain firsthand.
- ● Our focus is not solely on refugees; Afghanistan and its future are at the heart of our mission.
● Through building networks of cooperation across countries, we have established a global structure—by Afghans, for Afghans.
● We remain politically neutral, with an unwavering focus on human dignity and humanitarian service.
Our Vision
We envision a free, united, and empowered Afghanistan— a land where no Afghan is deprived of the right to live with dignity.
The vision of the Afghanistan Refugees Rescue Organization is to help build a bright future for the people of Afghanistan—both inside the country and in the diaspora. A future where Afghans can live in peace, justice, prosperity, and complete freedom.
We seek to create the conditions where:
- Afghanistan is liberated from dependency and achieves intellectual, social, and economic self-reliance;
- Afghan refugees around the world are recognized as dignified and contributing members of society;
- A new generation of Afghans—whether abroad or at home—grows with pride, knowledge, and a clear cultural identity.
We firmly believe that through solidarity, collective wisdom, and relentless service, we can build a new Afghanistan—one that not only reclaims its rightful place in the region and the world, but also becomes a model of human and ethical reconstruction in today’s crisis-ridden global landscape
Our Mission
The Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization is committed to serving the Afghan people, preserving Afghan identity, and working for the future of Afghanistan within the United States and beyond.
The ARRO mission is both domestic and international.
Domestic Mission – United States of America
Within the U.S., we work to:
- Advocate for the rights, dignity, and urgent needs of Afghan immigrants and refugees;
- Support newly arrived Afghan families in their integration, including housing, education, language, and employment;
- Facilitate access to public services, legal support, and government institutions;
- Create inclusive cultural, social, and community-driven spaces for Afghan communities across the U.S.;
- Amplify the voices of Afghan refugees through advocacy and engagement with decision-makers and the broader public.
International Mission – Afghanistan, Neighboring Countries, and Host Nations
Outside of the U.S., we are committed to:
- Standing with vulnerable populations inside Afghanistan and supporting the country’s social, cultural, and educational recovery;
- Providing humanitarian support and essential services for Afghan refugees in neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan;
- Expanding solidarity networks and support mechanisms in host countries such as Brazil, Germany, Canada, and others;
- Collaborating with international organizations, civil society groups, and advocacy networks to defend the rights of Afghans worldwide;
- Introducing a new global narrative of a peaceful, resilient, and forward-looking Afghanistan.
We believe that serving the people of Afghanistan is a global responsibility—whether in the heart of Washington, the streets of Kabul, or the camps along our borders.
Our Values
We are committed to principles rooted in the culture, humanity, and aspirations of the Afghan people. Our values serve as the moral foundation and operational guide for ARRO’s activities—both domestically and internationally.
Human Dignity
We believe that every human being—regardless of nationality, race, religion, or immigration status—deserves to live with dignity and respect.
Neutrality and Independence
We are a non-political, independent, and community-driven organization, dedicated solely to serving the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.
Justice and Equality
At the heart of everything we do is our belief in social justice, equal opportunity, and fair access to resources and services.
Solidarity and Participation
We rely on the power of community, collective action, and unity among Afghans—both inside the country and across the diaspora.
Transparency and Accountability
We are accountable—to the people we serve, to our partners, to international institutions, and to our own moral conscience.
Respect for Afghan Culture and Identity
We honor the cultural values, languages, beliefs, and history of the Afghan people as an integral part of our service.
Who We Are
From the People, For the People of Afghanistan: A Long Journey from Service to Global Impact
The Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO) has its roots in the challenging and transformative years of Afghanistan’s recent history. The founders of this organization have long been active within civil society, non-governmental institutions, and grassroots initiatives—standing alongside the Afghan people and working for support, awareness, and community empowerment.
Following the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 2021 and the resulting humanitarian crisis, these efforts evolved into a more structured and international response. In 2023, ARRO was officially established in Brazil to address the urgent needs of Afghan refugees and
vulnerable Afghan communities in that country.
Founded by a collective of social activists, human rights defenders, Afghan refugees, and professionals in education, law, healthcare, and social development, ARRO is built upon years of field experience across Afghanistan, Brazil, and now the United States.
To continue this humanitarian mission and to strengthen the voice of Afghans on the international stage, the United States office was founded in Virginia in 2024. This branch now serves as ARRO’s active presence in North America, leveraging the resources and partnerships available in the United States to expand services, advocacy, and global cooperation in support of the Afghan people.
We believe that the Afghan people deserve genuine support, social justice, and opportunities for growth—especially during their integration into new societies and cultures. For this reason, our programs are designed at both national and international levels to amplify Afghanistan’s voice on the global stage and to deliver effective, compassionate services wherever they are needed.
Our US Team
Meet Our Founders
Elisabeth Williams
Vice President for Internal Affairs
Bilal Ahmad Niazi
President of the Organization – U.S. Office
Sediqa Khalili
Vice President – International Affairs
Laurie Franklin Callahan
secretary of ARRO’s Strategic Board
Sediqa Darya
Spokesperson of the Organization
Hamida Arsh
Press Officer of the Organization
John Hauck
Human Resources Officer
Raihana Roshannia
Finance Officer of the Organization
Shaheen Waqibeen
Founder of ARRO in USA
Ahmad Farhad Habib
Founder of ARRO in USA
Abdul Farid Silany
Founder of ARRO in USA