Human dignity
Every person must be welcomed and respected as the protagonist of their own journey.
An organization founded and led by Afghan refugees
Dignity to begin again. Culture to belong. Opportunity to move forward.
ARRO connects migrants and refugees to rights, education, work, support networks and spaces for participation. At the same time, it promotes Afghan culture and builds bridges with Brazilian society so every person can live with autonomy, respect and belonging.
Who we are
A pioneering Afghan organization, born in São Paulo
We are a pioneering Afghan organization, founded in São Paulo by people who know first-hand the challenges of displacement and starting over. We work alongside migrants, refugees, public institutions, universities, companies, social organizations and Brazilian communities to turn welcome into autonomy and diversity into collective strength.
Afghanistan
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Brazil
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ARRO
Documented impact
Results that begin with listening and become paths forward
Figures consolidated from ARRO's activity report. Every number represents people, families and networks mobilized.
13
documented initiatives in the activity report
+2.000
people supported in documented emergency humanitarian action
1.390
assistance visits across food-security cycles
+300
people supported with access to healthcare
+150
children reached by psychosocial and recreational activities
+70
legal assistance and guidance sessions
45
people supported with digital inclusion
+35
people employed or referred to jobs
+10.000
people reached indirectly through fairs and cultural events
Each figure shows its reference period and source. Results from events organized in partnership, such as Nowruz 2026, are presented as collective impact, not as ARRO's result alone.
Social participation
The community's voice on the Municipal Council for Immigrants
ARRO is proud to sit on the São Paulo Municipal Council for Immigrants for the 2025–2027 term, representing civil society and contributing to public policy on integration, rights and social participation.
ARRO's representative on the Council: Shabir Ahmad Niazi
Member of the São Paulo Municipal Council for Immigrants · 2025–2027 term
Mission, vision and values
What drives us and how we work
Mission
To promote human dignity, guaranteed rights, autonomy and the social, cultural and economic integration of migrants and refugees in Brazil, placing special value on Afghan culture and strengthening bridges with the host society.
Vision
To be a leading, community-led organization in promoting rights, valuing Afghan culture, and building lasting solutions so migrants and refugees can live in Brazil with security, opportunity, participation and belonging.
Important notice
ARRO does not issue visas, select people for government programs, organize evacuations, or guarantee resettlement. Migration information should always be based on official sources and responsible referrals.
Values
Rights and justice
We stand for equal access, protection and civic participation.
Migrant leadership
The people directly affected take part in decisions and lead solutions.
Diversity and respect
We value origins, ethnicities, beliefs, languages, genders and experiences.
Culture and memory
We preserve and promote Afghanistan's rich history, art and culture.
Autonomy
We create conditions for education, work, income, entrepreneurship and free choice.
Collaboration
Lasting results come from networks linking community, government, business and civil society.
Ethics and transparency
We report honestly, protect data, and communicate results responsibly.
Who we work for
ARRO works with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, prioritizing the Afghan community and groups in the most vulnerable situations. The organization does not replace state bodies; its role is to guide, strengthen networks, promote integration and refer people to appropriate services and opportunities.
Our timeline
2022
Community mobilization
Afghan leaders and families in São Paulo began organizing together, laying the ground for the organization to come.
2023
Official founding
ARRO is formally established in São Paulo as a nonprofit association created and run by Afghan refugees.
2023–2024
Emergency humanitarian support
Activities in Guarulhos reached over 2,000 people; funds were also raised for children affected by the Herat earthquake.
2023 em diante
Culture and entrepreneurship
Fairs, festivals, food and craft initiatives began, with about 40 direct participants and over 10,000 people reached indirectly.
2024–2025
Rights, education and services
Partnerships expanded for Portuguese classes, legal guidance, digital inclusion, food security, health and employment.
2025
Institutional participation
Re-elected to the São Paulo Municipal Council for Immigrants for the 2025–2027 term.
2026
Nowruz with the Afghan community
Participation and institutional support at the March 22 event at the Immigration Museum, with about 1,700 people.
2026
1st Afghan Community Conference in Brazil
Held on June 27, an unprecedented space for community dialogue on rights, integration and a shared future.
2026–2027
Consolidation
Planning the Documentation Center, Library and Afghan Cultural Center, digital inclusion, scholarships and institutional strengthening.
What we do
Nine areas of work, one shared mission
We combine direct assistance, training, cultural mobilization and public participation. Where we don't provide a service directly, we guide and refer to the right network.
01Rights, documentation and legal guidance
General information, referrals for document regularization, guidance on public services, and coordination with partner legal networks.
02Education and Portuguese language
Referrals to Portuguese courses, support to continue studies, training, scholarships, and connections with schools, colleges and universities.
03Work, income and entrepreneurship
Skills training, career guidance, connections to job opportunities and fairs, and support for small businesses, crafts and food ventures.
04Women, youth and families
Protection, training, community life and initiatives that strengthen autonomy, with special attention to Afghan women entrepreneurs.
05Health and wellbeing
Guidance and referrals to health services, mental health support and psychosocial care.
06Humanitarian assistance and food security
Mobilizing food, essential items and support in emergency situations, always with records and accountability.
07Afghan culture and intercultural life
Nowruz, conferences, festivals, food, poetry, music, crafts, memory and activities that bring the Afghan and Brazilian communities together.
08Digital inclusion
Training and support to use platforms, public services, communication tools and online opportunities.
09Advocacy and social participation
Representation on councils and in public spaces, dialogue with government, and advocacy for policies that guarantee rights and inclusion.
- Need guidance? Talk to our team.
- Want to hire a migrant or refugee? Refer an opening.
- Are you a university or school? Propose an education partnership.
- Are you a company or funder? Support a project.
- Want to showcase Afghan culture, art or food? Invite ARRO.
Projects and results
13 documented initiatives
A straightforward list of what was done, with the result of each initiative and the period it was recorded.
Emergency humanitarian support in Guarulhos
Direct support documented between January 2023 and March 2024, in an emergency context.
Result
+2,000 people
Online Portuguese with UnB and SJMR Brasil
Language training aimed at integration, communication and access to opportunities.
Result
10 participants
Herat earthquake campaign
A solidarity campaign for children affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan.
Result
R$5,577 raised · 120 children
Job inclusion
People employed or referred to professional opportunities.
Result
+35 people
Food security
Periodic distribution of basic food baskets with support from the City of São Paulo, counted through June 2025.
Result
1,390 assistance visits · 10 cycles
Activities for children
Psychosocial, recreational and community-life activities.
Result
+150 children
Access to healthcare
Guidance, referrals and support accessing health services.
Result
+300 people
Solidarity for the Rio Grande do Sul floods
Community support during the climate emergency.
Result
About 30 people
Seminars and cultural activities
Training sessions, gatherings and initiatives celebrating culture.
Result
About 280 participations
Entrepreneurship, fairs and festivals
Participation in more than ten fairs and festivals, promoting food, art, income and visibility.
Result
About 40 direct · +10,000 indirect
Acolhitude Program
First cohort held in 2025 with ESPM and IOM.
Result
10 participants
Digital inclusion
Support with SOMAS, FINACI College and Zendesk.
Result
45 people
Legal guidance
Assistance and referrals with OAB Guarulhos, Humanitas and Instituto Pró-Vítima.
Result
+70 sessions
Culture and belonging
Milestones that celebrate identity and encounter
Cultural initiatives that preserve Afghan memory and build ties with Brazilian society.
Culture
Nowruz with the Afghan community · 2026
On March 22, 2026, the Immigration Museum hosted a large Nowruz celebration — the Persian calendar New Year. An initiative of UNHCR and the Archdiocesan Caritas of São Paulo, supported by ARRO and other community organizations. About 1,700 people took part, roughly 500 of them Afghan, in a program of Dari poetry translated into Portuguese, dance, music, food and crafts.
Participation
1st Afghan Community Conference in Brazil · 2026
Held by ARRO on June 27, 2026, in São Paulo, the first Afghan Community Conference in Brazil created a space for dialogue among community members, leaders, institutions and partner organizations — strengthening collective listening on rights, integration, culture, education, work and priorities for the future.
Entrepreneurship
Fairs, festivals and cultural entrepreneurship
Since November 2023, ARRO has taken part in and organized cultural fairs and festivals, showcasing Afghan food, crafts, art and products. These initiatives challenge stereotypes, widen contact between communities, and create income opportunities — especially for women entrepreneurs.
People and participation
A team that knows the path from the inside
SN
President and founder
Shabir Ahmad Niazi
Shabir Ahmad Niazi is the president and founder of ARRO. He represents the organization on the São Paulo Municipal Council for Immigrants and studies History at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP).
ARRO's work grows with people who believe in rights, culture and belonging. Volunteers can help with Portuguese classes, career guidance, communications, cultural events, translation, administrative support, front-line assistance, technology and fundraising.
I want to volunteerThe number of board members, associates and active volunteers is being confirmed internally and will be published once validated.
ARRO's workspace in São Paulo
Working in network
Partnerships that expand what's possible
Institutions ARRO has worked with on projects, training, referrals or joint initiatives.
Prefeitura de São Paulo
ACNUR
OIM
ESPM
UnB
SJMR Brasil
SOMAS
Faculdade FINACI
OAB Guarulhos
Humanitas
Instituto Pró-Vítima
Museu da Imigração
CDHIC
FAMBRAS
Companies:
job openings, training, sponsorship, product donations and corporate volunteering.
Universities:
Portuguese classes, scholarships, degree revalidation, research and outreach.
Government bodies:
Referrals, access to services and public policy.
Museums and cultural spaces:
Exhibitions, festivals, memory, food and art.
Social organizations:
Joint action, assistance, rights, health and protection.
Press and creators:
Responsible coverage of stories and events, with consent.
Get involved
There are many ways to walk alongside ARRO
Your time, expertise, network or financial support can open real paths for people rebuilding their lives in Brazil.
Become a volunteer
Help with Portuguese classes, career guidance, communications, cultural events, translation, admin, front-line support or technology.
I want to volunteerBecome a partner
Companies, universities and organizations can offer jobs, training, services, spaces and institutional support.
Propose a partnershipRefer a job opening
Share job openings, scholarships, courses or services relevant to our community.
Refer an opening
Donations
Your donation strengthens dignified new beginnings
Your donation strengthens education, guidance, digital inclusion, culture, food security, emergency support and economic autonomy for migrants and refugees. After contributing, please send the receipt to our team and feel free to ask how the funds are used.
A commitment to transparency
Donations can be one-time or recurring. Institutional documents and information on how funds are used are available on the Transparency page or on request by email.
Request information
PIX key · Registry No.
50.740.321/0001-09
Before donating, confirm the recipient matches the Afghan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO).
Institutional trust
Transparency and data protection
Documents and policies that support the trust of donors, partners and the community we serve.
- CNPJ registration certificate and status
- Bylaws and current amendments
- Board meeting minutes and terms of office
- Annual activity reports and indicators
- Financial statements and accountability reports
- Privacy and data protection policy (LGPD)
- Child and vulnerable-persons protection policy
- Code of conduct and conflict-of-interest policy
- Publishable partnerships and institutional terms
Data protection
We never publish national ID numbers, immigration documents, home addresses, signatures, personal banking details, or any information that could identify the people we serve. Stories and photos are published only with written consent, which can be withdrawn at any time.
Clear information
Frequently asked questions
Does ARRO issue or process visas?
No. ARRO does not issue, sponsor, select for, or guarantee visas, evacuation or resettlement. Our team can share general information and refer you to official sources.
Who can receive guidance?
Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Brazil can reach out. Priority and capacity vary depending on the project and the team's availability.
Does ARRO provide initial reception for new arrivals?
ARRO's main focus is integration, culture, rights, education, work, guidance and community support. Initial-reception needs should be referred to the officially responsible services and organizations.
How can I take part in courses and projects?
Follow the schedule and open enrollments published on the site and social media, or contact our team through the official channels.
How can I volunteer?
Fill out the volunteer form. Our team will reach out when there's a need matching your profile and availability.
How can a company help?
Companies can refer job openings, support training, sponsor projects, donate products or services, and organize corporate volunteering.
How can I donate?
Use the PIX key / registry number 50.740.321/0001-09 and confirm the recipient: Afghan Refugee Rescue Organization.
How can I find out where my donation went?
Check the Transparency page or request information from our institutional team.
Contact
Let's build paths together
For guidance, partnership, volunteering, press or institutional information, choose whichever channel suits you.
Address
Rua José Nunes dos Santos, 451 · Parque Paulistano · São Paulo – SP · CEP 08080-570
WhatsApp
+55 11 91873-9113
Email
office@arro-br.org
Social media
Send a message
Please don't send national ID, immigration documents, passport or other sensitive documents through this form.