In May 2025, OSED along with other partners launched its community-Based Legal Referral Mechanism, a lifeline for Afghan women, children, and other vulnerable individuals and returnees by providing access to free legal services.

The system is now available in 22 locations across 13 provinces, involves a three-step referral process in which community workers assess individual legal needs and issue protection assistance cards to connect the person with a legal aid practitioner who then offers tailored support. The card grants access to legal aid practitioners who offer personalized assistance from advice to representation.

This initiative aims to close the justice gap in Afghanistan, empowering people—especially women and girls—who have traditionally faced immense barriers in accessing legal aid. 

This initiative is aimed at addressing the lack of legal support and the increasing challenges faced by women, girls and others in Afghanistan. By embedding legal referrals within communities, OSED delivers justice that is accessible, trusted, and effective.

The referral system contact is: referral@osed.org.