AFGHANISTAN – The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the European Union (EU) have signed a new agreement to continue to support displaced Afghans and host communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and countries in Central Asia. With substantial EU funding of EUR 36 million, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) will benefit from essential protection, livelihood opportunities, and other basic services. The EU support is part of a wider UNHCR programme of EUR 110 million.
Afghans represent one of the world’s largest refugee populations, with 2.6 million registered globally. Of these some 2.2 million are in Iran and Pakistan. Additionally, some 3.2 million people remain internally displaced within Afghanistan and hundreds of thousands have returned from neighbouring countries since September 2023. Although active conflict is no longer the primary driver of displacement, Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian crisis compounded by severe protection issues, including gender-based violence, child labour and restrictions on freedom of movement and other basic rights for women and girls. The country remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing frequent natural disasters.
The new initiative backed by the UNHCR and the EU will focus on providing durable solutions for displaced populations.
UNHCR will roll out the next phase of a wide range of initiatives designed to promote self-reliance and social cohesion among Afghan refugees, returnees, IDPs and the communities which host them. The programme includes core protection activities such as registration, access to legal assistance and documentation, as well access to basic services such as health and education. It will also include cash-for-work opportunities, microloans and vocational training, all aimed at fostering economic independence and empowering women and girls in particular.
A special focus will be placed on vulnerable groups, including women, children and people with disabilities, through community-driven initiatives aimed at ensuring their protection and inclusion.
Mrs. Veronika Boskovic Pohar, Chargée d’affaires of Delegation of the European Union to Afghanistan, said: “The EU will continue our strong support to Afghans on the move. This new contribution to UNHCR is part of a bigger EU effort in the area of migration supporting opportunities and essential services to displaced women, men, children inside Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries. Our assistance will contribute to improve living conditions of individuals and broader communities.”
UNHCR’s Representative in Afghanistan, Mr. Arafat Jamal said: “This longstanding partnership with the European Union marks a significant step forward in our efforts to support Afghan returnees and refugees in host countries. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide not only life-saving assistance but also the tools needed for displaced populations to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.”
Kicking off in January 2025, the three-year programme will run through December 2027, focusing on long-term recovery and resilience.
