UN Official Meets Taliban Minister Amid Forced Afghan Repatriations
Amid growing pressure on Afghan refugees in neighboring countries and a surge in forced returns, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriations in the Taliban administration, met with Shoko Noda, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Crisis Bureau at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees, the two sides discussed ways to address the conditions of returning Afghans and explored strategies for sustainable migration within the country. At the meeting, Noda praised what she described as the Taliban’s efforts to manage the return of refugees and noted that Afghanistan remains a priority for the UNDP.
She emphasized the organization’s pursuit of sustainable solutions to Afghanistan’s longstanding migration crisis, which, she noted, stems largely from insecurity, widespread poverty, and societal restrictions under Taliban rule. Noda added that many returnees possess professional skills and need extensive support to reintegrate into society. In this context, she proposed establishing a joint committee with the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees to improve coordination.
In response, Abdul Kabir cited the approaching winter and increasing challenges facing returnees, calling on the United Nations to boost humanitarian aid. He added that alongside emergency assistance programs, the Taliban administration is also implementing plans to build permanent housing.
However, on-the-ground realities indicate that many internally displaced people and returnees are struggling due to limited job opportunities, restricted access to services, and the Taliban’s repressive policies. Observers expect international organizations to play a more active role not only in addressing the crisis but also in holding those responsible accountable.
