Integration of Afghan Refugees to Promote Peace in the Country

• Over 2.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan.
• The integration of refugees is important for social stability.
• Women and girls face serious restrictions in Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD — The integration of Afghan refugees is critically important for the peaceful future of the country, as without it social cohesion will be diminished, stated a representative of the UN on Friday.

Since the beginning of the year, over 2.2 million Afghans have crossed the border from Iran and Pakistan, according to the latest data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. They are returning to a country that is grappling with the consequences of climate change, economic stagnation, and humanitarian crisis. Approximately 60% of those returning are children under the age of 18.

Stepan Luz, the program manager of the UN on housing issues, noted that the integration of these millions is critically important for ensuring peace in Afghanistan. He emphasized that returning to the country with limited resources creates competition for jobs, land, and housing, which can lead to conflicts.

According to him, it is important to understand that those who are returning are not just refugees. They have skills and can become part of the solution for social and economic stability.

People are returning from Iran and Pakistan with minimal resources, leaving behind their homes and most of their belongings. Afghan authorities provide support at the border in the form of cash assistance, food, medical aid, and transportation to populated areas throughout the country.

The Taliban has restricted neighboring countries from providing humanitarian assistance to Afghans and has engaged with them with hostility. Iran and Pakistan prohibit their aid directed at Afghans, claiming that they are sending in migrants who are living in their countries illegally.

Women and girls particularly suffer after returning to Afghanistan, where education for girls beyond the sixth grade is banned, and access to jobs and public spaces is limited. Luz noted that women and girls in Afghanistan have no opportunities for social, educational, and economic development, while the need for human capital upon exiting the home creates additional barriers for women, who are heads of households.

Tags: Politics/Well-being