Stephanie Loose, Programme Manager in Afghanistan, highlighted significant challenges in Geneva, emphasizing the reintegration of those who lost their homes, assets, and hope.
Afghanistan faces an unprecedented returnee crisis. Since September 2023, about three million Afghans from Pakistan and Iran have been deported or repatriated, with over two million arriving this year. Many returnees lack a place in Afghanistan, having never lived there. Sixty percent are under 18, with no social ties, risking negative coping mechanisms.
Returnees face challenges under Taliban rule, where 22.9 million require humanitarian aid due to economic, human rights, and climate crises. Taliban restrictions on women and girls’ education, employment, and movement pose serious challenges. Women-headed households face challenges needing a male guardian even for medical visits.
Integration is hindered by Afghanistan’s high needs and fragile situation from decades of conflict. Climate-related issues like droughts, floods, and heatwaves further impact rural and urban areas. Rebuilding requires more than emergency aid, needing access to services, water, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities.
Reintegrating many displaced people demands significant efforts from the international community and Afghan authorities. It’s a humanitarian crisis requiring systemic, locally grounded solutions and investment in services, infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods. Ms. Loose called on the international community to support Afghanistan, especially its women and girls, ensuring they can live with dignity.
Leave a Reply