Taliban, UN Discuss Joint Committee on Afghan Migrant Return Crisis

DID Press: Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation met with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday to discuss forming a joint committee to manage the growing crisis of returning Afghan migrants.

Acting minister Abdul Kabir met UNDP crisis management head Shakunoda to explore coordinated support for returnees, including employment opportunities and living assistance. Shakunoda described Afghanistan as a UNDP priority and said the agency is developing sustainable solutions for migrants.

The UN has warned that a large wave of forced returns could worsen Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. UN data shows 88% of returnees are in debt, only 4% have stable jobs, and half the population relies on humanitarian aid. Restrictions on women and girls, widespread drought, and nearly two million returnees have further strained the country.