Islamic Emirate at a Glance

(Part 20) Summary of the Most Significant Accomplishments of the Islamic Emirate (2022 – 2023) By: H.N Management of Migrants, Repatriates, and IDPs Unfortunately, due to the prolonged conflict and instability in Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate currently hosts seven million migrants and three million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Supporting Afghan migrants, facilitating their repatriation, addressing […]

(Part 20)

Summary of the Most Significant Accomplishments of the Islamic Emirate

(2022 – 2023)

By: H.N

Management of Migrants, Repatriates, and IDPs

Unfortunately, due to the prolonged conflict and instability in Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate currently hosts seven million migrants and three million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Supporting Afghan migrants, facilitating their repatriation, addressing the needs of IDPs, and aiding returnees have been steadfast priorities of the Islamic Emirate over the past two years. These priorities have been diligently pursued through the IEA’s Ministry of Refugees Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Afghan Contacts Commission.

As a result of these endeavors, in the past year, 953,000 migrants returned voluntarily to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries. Moreover, 470,000 returning and displaced families have received cash, food, and non-food assistance from governmental and collaborative institutions. Additionally, reception centers have been established and activated in provinces such as Nimroz, Kandahar, Herat, and Nangarhar to better accommodate returnees.

A: Facilitating the Resettlement of IDPs

Despite the significant number of IDPs due to war, insecurity, and natural disasters, the reinstated Islamic Emirate’s governance and actions by relevant authorities have notably reduced the number of IDPs. Over the past year, around 29,000 displaced families have been resettled, and 160,000 families have returned to their native areas due to natural disaster stabilization efforts. Moreover, to facilitate the resettlement of IDPs, the Ministry of Refugees Affairs has established working committees in ten provinces over the past year and drafted a comprehensive plan to address IDP issues.

B: Educational and Legal Support for Returnees and IDPs

In terms of assisting returnees and IDPs, 1,066 individuals have been directed to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, pursuing their education, while electronic identification cards have been distributed to 61,000 others in coordination with the National Statistics and Information Authority. Legal counsel has been provided to 806 applicants, educational programs have been organized for 13,106 individuals in collaboration with partner institutions, and employment opportunities have been provided for over 19,000 individuals.

C: Provision of Social and Welfare Services

In the past year, technical assessments have been conducted on 48 migrant camps/townships in various provinces to identify and address existing challenges. Additionally, reintegration committees have been reactivated in 34 provinces to ensure the coherence of activities among relevant institutions and agencies regarding the reintegration of returnees. Furthermore, the registration and documentation of returnees have been reactivated using the ARIS system in 34 provinces and at border crossings such as Islam Qala, Spin Boldak, Torghundi, and Nimroz Silk Road, with necessary documents distributed to them.

Efforts have also been made, with the assistance of collaborating institutions, to address the needs of displaced persons and returnees. This includes the reconstruction of 58 deep and semi-deep wells, establishment of six water reservoirs, installation of 13 water supply networks, construction of 11 kilometers of roads, renovation of 174 bridges and culverts, establishment of two clinics and two schools, and construction of 210 meters of retaining walls in 21 provinces.

D: Mobilization of Assistance from Partner Organizations

The Ministry of Refugees Affairs has coordinated with collaborating institutions and organizations to secure necessary assistance for addressing the needs of returnees and displaced persons. Over the past year, 133 MoUs have been signed with partner organizations in this regard.

Moreover, to ensure transparency in the utilization of cash funds by institutions for migrant and returnee affairs, an inter-ministerial committee has been established, consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Economy, Finance, Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Public Health, Education, Hajj and Religious Affairs, Intelligence Directorate, and relevant United Nations agencies. As per the committee’s decision, partner organizations operate under the supervision of the named government entities and directly report to the Ministry of Refugees Affairs, utilizing their budgets for designated purposes.

In addition, officials have conducted multiple visits to provinces and relevant areas to closely assess and evaluate the prevailing conditions and challenges concerning returnees and internally displaced persons.

E: Transfer of Afghan Prisoners

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan endeavors to repatriate compatriots detained abroad, ensuring they complete their sentences under conditions that uphold their rights and entitlements. Through diplomatic negotiation, agreements have been reached with 8 countries over the past year for the repatriation of Afghan prisoners.

Furthermore, a designated commission has been established by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate to facilitate the transfer of Afghan prisoners from foreign countries, which has been actively engaged in this regard. As a result of the concerted efforts of relevant authorities, approximately 3,000 Afghans have been transferred from prisons in Pakistan, and over 1,000 Afghans have been transferred from prisons in Iran to Afghanistan in the past year. Additionally, around 3,000 other Afghans who were at risk of human trafficking have been rescued.

F: Provision of Education for Returnees and IDPs

The Islamic Emirate is steadfast in providing essential educational opportunities for internally displaced persons and citizens returning to the country after residing abroad. Substantial efforts have been made in this regard over the past year, resulting in educational opportunities being extended to 39,114 individuals.

G: Passport Services

Afghan residents abroad have long encountered challenges related to passports, documentation, and official paperwork, leading to persistent difficulties. To address this, the Islamic Emirate has swiftly initiated measures yielding notable outcomes. A passport distribution project has been launched over the past year for Afghan residents in foreign nations, notably Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Consequently, 300,000 passports have been systematically renewed within the past year. Moreover, the Afghan government has facilitated the pilgrimage of 1,000 Afghan applicants residing in Pakistan and Iran to Saudi Arabia during the same period.

Continued…

Reference: IEA’s Accomplishments