Challenges and family support in accessing LSS: the case of Afghan disabled migrants in Stockholm, Sweden

This thesis examines the challenges faced by Afghan disabled migrants in Stockholm, Sweden, when accessing disability support services, particularly the Support and Services for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments (LSS Act). The study explores the intersection of institutional barriers and the role of family support in their access and integration under the LSS framework. The research aims to identify institutional and policy-level gaps in the delivery of LSS services, highlight the importance of family support in overcoming barriers, and provide recommendations for more inclusive and culturally sensitive policies. It seeks to answer questions about the institutional, social, and cultural barriers faced by Afghan disabled migrants, the influence of Stockholm Municipality's policies and practices, how Afghan families support their disabled relatives, and how the municipality involves families in service delivery. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with Afghan migrants with disabilities living in Stockholm. The interviews aim to capture personal experiences related to disability support, integration, and interaction with public institutions. The data is analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and gaps in service delivery. The thesis draws on human rights approach, social exclusion theory, welfare state theory, and critical disability theory to understand the difficulties faced by Afghan disabled migrants. It also highlights the relevance of the topic to human rights and multi-level governance, particularly in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as well as the division of responsibility for service delivery between national laws and municipal implementation. The study acknowledges that while Sweden has a comprehensive welfare system and disability policies emphasizing equality and inclusion, Afghan disabled migrants often encounter significant barriers due to language barriers, limited knowledge of their rights, and a lack of tailored support, further compounded by their experiences of displacement and trauma.