The academic community across the UK, especially the teaching and research centres and institutions focused on, and engaged in, the study of the Persianate world and Central Asia, have been dismayed at the rapidly unfolding crisis in Afghanistan and its direct and invidious impact on the personal safety and the academic freedoms of educators, researchers and students in that country, as well as the acute threats facing its rich cultural heritage.

The British Institute of Persian Studies supports the efforts of the British government, UK based NGOs and charitable organizations, as well as other international stakeholders, to provide every opportunity for the threatened Afghan scholars and students to continue their academic activities in safe havens.  Where possible, the British Institute of Persian Studies will promote the study of the country, and its languages, the arts and history, and help support the research initiatives of the displaced Afghan scholars working in these fields.