UNICEF Seeks $520M to Support Returning Afghan Migrants

DID Press: UNICEF has called for $520 million in international funding to address urgent humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of returning migrants in Afghanistan.

UNICEF representative Tajudeen Oyewale met with acting officials of the relevant Afghan ministry to discuss the growing humanitarian challenges linked to the sharp increase in returnees.

Oyewale said the agency has developed a funding plan in response to the rising number of returnees in recent months, seeking $520 million from the international community.

He explained that around $100 million would be allocated for emergency assistance, including access to clean water, healthcare services, education, and immediate humanitarian support, while the remaining $420 million would be directed toward resettlement, livelihoods support, and long-term stabilization programs.

UNICEF also reaffirmed its cooperation with UN agencies operating in Afghanistan, stressing continued efforts in food insecurity response, child protection, and climate-related humanitarian risks.

In response, Afghan officials expressed appreciation for ongoing international assistance while urging greater focus on development projects and job creation to reduce long-term dependence on aid.