SOCIETY — February 22, 2026
UN Women and Japan Support Afghan Women Returning from Neighboring Countries
UN Women, funded by Japan with $826,666, is supporting Afghan women returning from Iran and Pakistan through safe spaces and livelihood aid in eastern and southern Afghanistan. Over 2.5 million Afghans returned in 2025, 42% women and children facing restrictions on education and work.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — corroborated by Amu TV and Pajhwok — 2 min read
KABUL — UN Women announced it is supporting Afghan migrant women who have returned from Iran and Pakistan, in cooperation with the Japanese government.
In a press release issued on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, UN Women stated that $826,666 has been allocated for this support. The initiative aims to revive the lives of these returned women in Afghanistan.
The services will be provided in eastern and southern Afghanistan. According to the press release, the project will offer safe spaces exclusively for women, livelihood assistance, and supportive and protective services to preserve their dignity, ensure security and promote sustainable improvements in their well-being.
Reports indicate that more than 2.5 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 alone, with 42 percent of them being women and children.
Women and girls expelled from Iran and Pakistan face restrictions on education, work and individual freedoms upon return to Afghanistan.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Multiple independent Afghan outlets (Hasht-e Subh, Amu TV, Pajhwok) corroborate the UN Women press release announcing Japan-funded support ($826,666) for returning Afghan women, with concrete details on services, regions, and context, confirming key facts via direct on-record attribution.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by 3 outlets
Filed under
Society — UN Women, Japan, Afghan returnees, Iran, Pakistan
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