Afghanistan’s UN Envoy Warns Humanitarian Aid Insufficient for Returning Refugees
Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations office in Geneva, expressed concern over the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan citizens last year, emphasizing that humanitarian aid alone does not meet their complex and extensive needs. Speaking at the 39th session of the International Organization for Migration’s Program and Finance Committee, he stated that many returnees have come back to the country without access to shelter, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
The Afghan representative added that the strict Taliban restrictions on education, work, and the participation of women and girls in society have weakened the country’s economic capacity and created serious obstacles to the reconstruction and reintegration of returnees. Andisha warned that halting the development of humanitarian programs and reducing international aid would exacerbate the current crisis.
He also highlighted three main priorities to address the needs of returnees: respect for the rights and human dignity of migrants in neighboring countries, linking immediate assistance with long-term livelihood programs, and ensuring sufficient and flexible funding for the activities of the International Organization for Migration. Andisha concluded by calling for greater global attention to the rights of women and girls and guaranteeing their access to essential services.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, over 6.3 million Afghans have returned to the country so far, with approximately 60 percent forced to return. The agency has warned that poverty, unemployment, and reduced global aid have worsened Afghanistan’s difficult situation.
