UN Envoy Meets Taliban Deputy PM to Discuss Return of Afghan Refugees
Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban administration, met in Kabul with Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the organization’s Humanitarian Coordinator. The meeting took place amid an intensified return of Afghan refugees in recent months, prompting international bodies to call for greater cooperation in addressing the resulting challenges.
During the meeting, Ratwatte said that the UN and aid agencies are focused on supporting the people of Afghanistan, particularly returning refugees. She expressed appreciation for what she described as the Taliban administration’s cooperation and coordination, adding that addressing the situation of returnees from neighboring countries remains one of the organization’s top priorities.
Ratwatte noted that since 2025, around 4.5 million Afghan refugees have returned to the country, stressing that such a trend presents significant challenges for any nation. She emphasized the UN’s commitment to working with the Taliban administration to respond to this crisis.
Hanafi, in turn, thanked both national and international organizations for their support of the Afghan people. He said the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged wars, natural disasters, and the forced deportation of refugees. He stressed that resolving these challenges requires coordinated effort.
Hanafi also highlighted that greater coordination among responsible organizations would have a direct impact on the transparency and effectiveness of aid to refugees. He expressed hope that the UN and other relevant institutions will play a key role in ensuring the rights of returning migrants are upheld.
Despite these efforts, many residents and civil society organizations remain concerned that the Taliban administration lacks the capacity and willingness to effectively manage the refugee crisis—especially amid institutional opacity and increasing restrictions on civil society and media organizations.
