Social inclusion and non-discrimination are key to the health and well-being of Afghan refugees in Australia. When Afghan refugees are welcomed into supportive communities and given access to healthcare, mental health services, and stable housing, they are more likely to thrive. A supportive community helps reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, making it easier for refugees to adjust and maintain good health. Access to culturally sensitive services ensures that their specific needs are met, which is crucial for their overall well-being (WHO,2024)

Non-discrimination is equally important, as it ensures that Afghan refugees are treated fairly in all aspects of life, including healthcare, housing, and employment. By removing barriers and biases, refugees can access the resources they need without facing prejudice. This fair treatment fosters a sense of belonging and trust, helping them integrate successfully into Australian society and leading to better health outcomes and a more positive resettlement experience (WHO,2024).

WHO. (2024). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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In Afghanistan, traditional medicine includes a variety of home remedies, particularly teas that are a daily staple in many households, and also common in Iran. These teas are believed to support good health and are often used to treat or prevent colds and coughs before seeking medical help.

-common ingredients in these traditional teas include chamomile (known locally as "babunij"), thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, anise, and cinnamon.

(Virgina,pg 1,.n.d.)

In Afghan culture, which is deeply religious, some remedies are intertwined with religious practices. Healing often involves reciting specific passages from the Quran by an imam or another respected religious figure, while they place their hands over the ill person's body. This spiritual aspect of healing reflects the significant role religion plays in their approach to health and wellness.

(2024). Virginia.edu. https://med.virginia.edu/family-medicine/wp-content/uploads/sites/285/2017/01/Ochs-and-Panvelker-Traditional-Med-Use_Web.pdf

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Many Afghan refugees have experienced severe trauma due to conflict, family separation, and serious human rights abuses such as torture and violence. In Australia, a large number of Afghan refugees, have reported such traumatic experiences (Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health, n.d.).

Unaccompanied Afghan children face particular risks and vulnerabilities. Their experiences of trauma are compounded by their unique circumstances, making them especially vulnerable.

Once in a new country, Afghan refugees often encounter significant challenges that can affect their mental health. It may be difficult for them to adjust to a new environment, to deal with language barriers, to find housing that is stable, to handle financial difficulties, and to find employment. Losing their cultural and community connections adds to their stress. Research shows that these difficulties can worsen mental health. For instance, refugees living in temporary or institutional housing, facing limited job opportunities, or dealing with ongoing conflict in their home country often experience poorer mental health. Although children and teenagers generally have better mental health outcomes than adults, their well-being is closely linked to their parents' mental health (Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health, n.d.)

most common mental health issue regrading refugees is Post traumatic stress disorder

(World Health Organisation, 2023).

ways that could prevent

-Regularly check in and offer support to help alleviate feelings of isolation.

-Help identify and build on personal strengths and examples of resilience.

- Guide on maintaining regular exercise and a healthy diet.

-Share tips on improving sleep habits and relaxation techniques (Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health, n.d.)

Mental Health» Australian Refugee Health. (n.d.). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

World Health Organisation. (2023, October 10). Five key themes for improved mental health care for refugees and migrants. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news/item/10-10-2023-five-key-themes-for-improved-mental-health-care-for-refugees-and-migrants#:~:text=The%20prevalence%20of%20common%20mental

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one serving of

Ingredients

2–4 tbs char masala ( ingredients; 1Tbs cumin

1 Tbs black cardamom

1 Tbs cinnamon

1 Tbs clove)

2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1.5 lb lamb

350 gram julienned carrots

250 grams of raisins

1/4 C sesame oil

Instructions

1.

 Rinse your rice. You want to make sure the water runs clear. This cloud water is the starch you don’t want. Makes for sticky rice.

2. 

Next, we are going to prepare the lamb. Break out your Instapot, pressure cooker, or regular pot. Add your sesame oil and heat.  Add your onions. Add your roughly cut garlic. Cook for 30 seconds and then add cumin.

3. Next we will add our lamb. Then add a tablespoon of salt. Finally, add 3 Cups of water. for 25 minutes on high pressure. If you cook in a regular pot it will probably take about an hour. You want the meat to be fork-tender.

4. 

While your meat is cooking, next cook your carrots and raisins. Add to the pan some vegetable oil. Then, add your shredded carrots. This will not take long, cook until soft. Place on your foil. 

5. 

Next, your raisins. I soak mine in hot water for about 5 minutes. Then, you will drain and add to the same pan you cooked the carrots in. This will go quickly. Only cook for about 30 seconds. Then add them to the foil with your carrots and wrap them into your foil packet to add to the rice later.

6. 

Boil a large pot of salted water. Take your rice that you have rinsed and soaked and add to the boiling water. This is a step you have to watch. I can’t give you an exact amount of time to cook the rice. But, you are only partially cooking your rice. If you fully cook it you will have mushy pulao. On average 4 minutes should get you there. If you can break the rice in your finger you are done. Then, drain your rice.

7. 

Next, we are going to make our sugar solution to add a caramel colour to our rice. In a pan add a quarter cup of vegetable oil. Add your sugar. Let the sugar darken. Add 1/2 Cup of water, set aside.

8. Take your meat out of the broth when done cooking. Now it is time to assemble everything. Take a big pot and add half of your rice to the bottom. Then, add your lamb. Then add the last of the rice. After that, use a few scoops of the lamb broth, add the sugar mixture, and char masala.

9. Poke some holes in the rice with the handle of a spoon. This will allow steam to release better. Take your packet of raisins and carrots and place them in pan on top of your rice. with more foil and then put the lid on the rice.

10. Cook on stove top on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes.

Seddiq, M. (2021, September 5). Kabuli pulao recipe - Afghan National Dish. Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

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Layali Dansakademi. (2022, June 28). Afghan Attan Dance افغان اتڼ with Parvaz Dance Ensamble, Layali, Sweden 2022. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7kdn_T7zJc

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The name evolved from Kabuli Palau to Qabil Pulao, though the original spelling is still used when written. The term "Qabil" means "learned," suggesting that only a skilled chef could prepare it (Hami, 2021)

Hami. (2021). Kabuli Pulao - the Afghan National Dish. https://www.acplwy.org/wp-content/uploads/Kabuli-Pulao-1.pdf

Afghanistan is a Sunni Islamic Republic, and there is considerable societal pressure to follow Sunni traditions. Islamic principles strongly influence the political, economic, and legal aspects of life in Afghanistan. Islamic customs still play a key role in shaping the cultural norms and daily life of Afghans (Evason, 2019).

Evason, N. (2019). Afghan Culture - Religion. Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/afghan-culture/afghan-culture-religion

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Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. (2024). Murdoch.edu.au. https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4119639/mod_resource/content/3/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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