A Voice for Change: Mehria’s Journey from Kabul to the Hamburg Parliament

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Mehria Ashuftah, a lawyer, lecturer, and dedicated advocate for her community, is making history. The Afghan-born politician is running for a seat in the Hamburg State Parliament, a bold step that reflects her unwavering commitment to social justice and her desire to represent the vibrant Afghan community in her adopted home.

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Ashuftah was just one year old when her family was forced to leave their homeland and migrate to Germany. Growing up in Hamburg, she built a successful career in law and academia.  

With 14 years of active involvement in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Ashuftah’s political journey started when she was still a university student. Through volunteering and persistent engagement, she has worked her way up to becoming a candidate for the Hamburg State Parliament. The parliament has over 100 members, and “I do not know how many votes I or my party will get, but I hope my countrymen and women will come together and support me,” she says.

Hamburg is home to around 60,000 Afghans, earning it the nickname “Kabul of Europe.” Of this population, approximately 30,000 are eligible to vote—those who are at least 16 years old, hold German nationality, and reside in Hamburg. However, the Afghan community faces a significant challenge: political unity.

“There are 12 Afghan candidates in this election, with every party having one or two Afghan representatives. Even the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a party known for its anti-immigrant stance, has an Afghan candidate. It is shameful that an Afghan would join a party that wants to expel us all,” Ashuftah laments.

She emphasizes the importance of voter participation, urging Afghans to exercise their democratic rights.

“If you do not vote, you are giving others the authority to decide your future. Those who vote should research candidates, their backgrounds, and their contributions over the past decade before making a decision.”

A Commitment to the Afghan Community

Ashuftah does not make unrealistic promises to win votes. Instead, she pledges to be a voice for her community in parliament. One of her top priorities is the evacuation of at-risk Afghans to Germany.

“By the end of 2024, the plan was to bring at least 1,000 Afghans at risk to safety, but unfortunately, it has not been fulfilled. Germany has 16 states, and only two have acted on this. If I am elected, I will push for this initiative in Hamburg,” she asserts.

With her legal expertise, Ashuftah understands the pathways necessary for Afghan evacuation and aims to work towards a structured and humane approach.

Education and integration are also high on her agenda. “Education is the key to the present and future, as well as to the country’s economic growth. Migrants, including refugees should have access to language classes and integration programs to help them adjust quickly to German society,” she explains.

Another major focus of her campaign is combating racism and discrimination. While some German states have anti-discrimination laws in place, Hamburg does not. Ashuftah believes introducing such a law is essential for fostering an inclusive society.

Holding on to Her Roots

Although Ashuftah left Afghanistan as a baby, she carries her homeland with her in a deeply personal way.

“I do not remember Afghanistan, but I always keep a piece of it with me,” she says, pointing to a necklace shaped like the map of Afghanistan. She also carries a small bottle filled with Afghan soil.

“Wherever I go, I take this soil with me. My greatest wish is to step on Afghan soil one day.”

Her dedication to her roots is evident in her career and political aspirations. Having worked as a diplomat for the German Foreign Ministry and served in the German Parliament in Berlin, she has always maintained a strong connection to Afghanistan.

Now, as she campaigns for a seat in the Hamburg State Parliament, she hopes to bring her experiences, expertise, and passion to serve not only the Afghan community but all residents of Hamburg.

Mehria Ashuftah’s journey is a testament to resilience, commitment, and hope. As she steps into the political arena, she remains steadfast in her mission to create meaningful change. Whether through legal advocacy, political representation, or community work, she continues to be a powerful voice for Afghans in Germany.

With the elections approaching, the question remains: will the Afghan community unite to support one of their own? For Ashuftah, the journey has never been about personal gain but about ensuring representation and advocacy for a community that has long sought a stronger voice in German politics.

Watch her full interview (Part 1) on the ADN YouTube channel.

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