Afghan Minister Meets UNHCR Representative to Discuss Refugee Support and Employment Initiatives
Afghanistan’s Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, met with Arafat Jamal, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Afghanistan, to address ongoing challenges facing displaced populations and returning migrants. The discussion focused on humanitarian assistance, registration procedures, and economic integration programs for returnees.
During the meeting, Minister Kabir highlighted difficulties faced by Afghan returnees at border camps, particularly regarding registration delays and limited access to essential services. He emphasized the need for coordinated international support to address these gaps and improve living conditions for those crossing back into the country.
Both officials reviewed employment initiatives designed to support returning families. The ministry confirmed the establishment of two large carpet-weaving factories in Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, which are intended to provide sustainable jobs for Afghan returnees. The UNHCR representative welcomed these efforts and discussed plans to expand livelihood programs in coordination with local authorities.
The meeting also addressed upcoming international engagements. Officials noted that the Global Group on Afghan Refugee Issues is currently mobilizing additional financial resources and is scheduled to visit Afghanistan in the near future. Additionally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is expected to travel to Kabul to assess humanitarian needs and review ongoing support frameworks.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Afghan nationals while ensuring adequate infrastructure and economic opportunities are in place upon their arrival.
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Where reports agree
- A meeting occurred between Mawlawi Abdul Kabir and Arafat Jamal focusing on refugee/returnee welfare, humanitarian aid, and job creation.
- The Global Group on Afghan Refugee Issues is actively seeking additional funding and will travel to Afghanistan soon.
- Two large carpet-weaving factories in Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif are operational to employ returnees.
- Minister Kabir highlighted ongoing registration problems and service gaps for returnees in border camps and voiced support for UN-led employment initiatives.
Where reports differ
- Camp name transliteration: Omid Radio reports 'Zakhel', while ToloNews reports 'Zakho'.
- ToloNews explicitly names 'Burham Saleh' as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees expected to visit, whereas Omid Radio only references the 'leadership of the International Group' traveling. (Note: Burhan Saleh is a former Afghan official, not the UNHCR chief, indicating a likely attribution error in ToloNews).
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