Taliban, UN Stress Support for Afghan Refugees

DID Press: Taliban officials and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have emphasized the need for stronger protection and support for Afghan refugees amid growing concerns over their conditions in neighboring countries.

During a meeting in Kabul, Abdul Wasi, head of the Taliban prime minister’s office, and Arafat Jamal discussed the challenges facing Afghan migrants and ways to improve migration management and humanitarian assistance.

Abdul Wasi called on host countries to respect international migration laws and urged global institutions to respond firmly to violations of Afghan refugees’ rights. He said Afghan migrants, particularly in Pakistan and Iran, continue to face serious problems related to residency, education and access to basic services.

Arafat Jamal announced that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is expected to visit Afghanistan soon to assess the situation of returnees and mobilize international assistance for voluntary repatriation efforts.

He also said the United Nations is closely monitoring the condition of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Islamabad’s commitments toward them, while continuing discussions with regional governments to improve living conditions for displaced Afghans.

The meeting comes as the number of Afghan returnees from Pakistan has sharply increased in recent months, prompting repeated warnings from humanitarian agencies about a growing humanitarian crisis.