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Welcome to AREU

The  Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an independent research institute based in Kabul. AREU's mission is to inform and influence policy and practice through conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research and actively disseminating the results, and to promote a culture of research and learning.(More)

 News & Updates:

  • A new report examines corruption and subnational governance in Afghanistan. Roundtable discussion notes are also available.
  • Two of AREU's series of reports on the upcoming parliamentary election and representative governance in Afghanistan have been released. They examine local perceptions of MPs and the Wolesi Jirga and pre-election politics and the appearance of opposition inside parliament.
  • AREU has released a briefing paper assessing reductions in opium poppy cultivation in 2009/10.
  • Ahead of the Kabul Conference in July, AREU has released a series of policy notes that aim to contribute to debates surrounding governance, justice and development. Also available in Dari and Pashto.
  • It's here! The 2010 edition of AREU's flagship A to Z Guide to Afghanistan Assistance is now available for download or purchase from AREU's Kabul office. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to enquire.
  • A new discussion paper by Emily Winterbotham provides an overview of the state of transitional justice in Afghanistan.
  • Listen to the first AREU podcast — a lecture by Lauryn Oates on the process behind the controversial Shiite Personal Status Law. You can also download the paper.
  • A new briefing paper by Dr Antonio Giustozzi examines past and present Student Politics in Afghanistan.
  • Elections Must Happen in 2010 — An AREU statement on the importance of elections following the London Conference. Click Here.
  • Grounding International Engagement in Afghan Realities AREU has released its statement for the London Conference on Afghanistan. Click here
  • AREU's first report for 2010 is Building a Viable Microfinance Sector in Afghanistan.
  • Increasing focus is being paid to community-based dispute resolution in Afghanistan. AREU has now released case studies from Nangarhar and Bamiyan, as well as a policy note on the subject.
  • Who lost legitimacy? An AREU post-elections brief explores Afghan opinions of the confused 2009 election process and its outcomes — with some surprising results. Click here to download. Meanwhile, Toward an Afghan Democracy? explores Afghan perceptions of democracy. 
  • Experiences of Young Afghans Returning “Home” From Pakistan and Iran is a synthesis paper on the topic of second-generation Afghans, highlighting the importance of psychological and social issues associated with such homecoming.
  • AREU's child labour study has concluded with the release of a synthesis and briefing paper. 
  • The Water, Opium and Livestock research study has concluded with the release of the final synthesis paper.