UNHCR, EU launch €36m initiative to support Afghan refugees

KABUL (Pajhwok): The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the European Union (EU) have signed a new agreement to continue supporting displaced Afghans and host communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia.

With substantial EU funding of EUR 36 million, the initiative will benefit hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) by providing essential protection, livelihood opportunities, and other basic services, the UN agency said in a statement.

This support is part of a broader UNHCR program valued at EUR 110 million.

Afghans constitute one of the largest refugee populations globally, with 2.6 million registered refugees, of which approximately 2.2 million are in Iran and Pakistan. Additionally, 3.2 million people remain internally displaced within Afghanistan, and since September 2023, hundreds of thousands have returned from neighboring countries.

While active conflict is no longer the main driver of displacement, Afghanistan continues to face a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by severe protection issues, including gender-based violence, child labor, and restrictions on the freedom of movement and basic rights for women and girls.

The country remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing frequent natural disasters.

The new initiative, supported by both UNHCR and the EU, will focus on providing durable solutions for displaced populations. UNHCR will implement the next phase of a broad range of programs designed to promote self-reliance and social cohesion among Afghan refugees, returnees, IDPs, and the communities hosting them.

The program includes core protection activities such as registration, access to legal assistance and documentation, and access to basic services like health and education.

It will also provide cash-for-work opportunities, microloans, and vocational training aimed at fostering economic independence and empowering women and girls in particular.

A special emphasis will be placed on vulnerable groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities, through community-driven initiatives focused on ensuring their protection and inclusion.

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 Representative in Afghanistan, 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.

sa/ma