EU reaffirms support for disabled Afghan refugees 

KABUL (Pajhwok): On World Refugee Day, the European Union reaffirmed support for displaced Afghans, pledging aid in protection, education, and livelihoods across Afghanistan and the region.

On X, the EU wrote: “On #WorldRefugeeDay, the EU reaffirms its commitment to displaced Afghans. Across Afghanistan & the region—incl. Iran, Pakistan & Central Asia—we support protection, education & livelihoods for refugees, returnees & IDPs. The EU stands with Afghan people.”

It added that through a €47 million partnership with the International Organization for Migration (@IOMAfghanistan), the EU supports Afghans both within Afghanistan and in neighboring countries by facilitating access to healthcare, education, livelihoods, and protection—with a focus on empowering women and vulnerable groups while also strengthening host communities.

In collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the EU said it also backs durable solutions for Afghan refugees and IDPs in multiple provinces across Afghanistan and the broader region.

“We support protection, services, energy access & women-led livelihoods—building resilience, stability & hope,” the EU stated.

According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, approximately 7 million Afghan refugees are currently living abroad, including about 3 million in Iran, 3 million in Pakistan, and the rest in other countries. While some have legal residency, many remain undocumented.

UNHCR’s latest report shows that conflict, persecution, and other risks have driven the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide to around 117 million by the end of 2023.