Taliban Official Meets UNHCR Chief to Discuss Forced Returns of Afghan Refugees
The General Directorate of the Taliban Prime Minister’s Office announced that Mullah Abdul Wasi, the director general of this office, met with Arafat Jamal, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chief for Afghanistan. According to the directorate, the discussions focused on the problems faced by Afghan refugees, forced returns, and how the Taliban administration manages the returnees.
A statement released from the Taliban’s presidential office (Arg) stated that the two sides also discussed the upcoming visit of the UNHCR chief to Afghanistan. The purpose of this visit is to follow up on the refugee situation and explore possibilities for greater cooperation.
Forced returns of Afghan refugees have recently become a serious concern for aid organizations. Many returnees face shortages of shelter, job opportunities, and basic services across various parts of the country—issues for which the Taliban administration is held directly responsible.
Although the Taliban administration consistently asserts its readiness to manage the return process, international organizations emphasize that without the provision of adequate livelihood, security, and services, the large-scale return of refugees may exacerbate social and economic crises in the country. The senior UNHCR official’s visit to Kabul is expected to clarify more details regarding support programs and practical commitments.
