ECONOMY — March 12, 2026
UNHCR opens largest carpet-weaving center in western Afghanistan
The UN refugee agency, with the Islamic Development Bank, has opened Afghanistan's largest carpet-weaving center in Herat province, creating jobs and training for 400 returnees, mostly women. The initiative supports sustainable livelihoods for those returning from Iran amid over 2 million returns last year.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — 2 min read
HERAT, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, inaugurated the largest carpet-weaving center in Herat province.
The opening took place in the presence of Indrika Ratwatte, deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, and local elders. The center initially provides job opportunities and skills training for 400 Afghan returnees, with more than three-quarters of them women.
The project aims to empower returnees and the host community. Rebuilding sustainable livelihoods, especially for women, addresses one of the primary needs of returnees from Iran.
UNHCR stated that more than 2 million Afghans returned from Iran to the country last year. The center is intended to help create economic opportunities for them.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct, on-record attribution with concrete, checkable details including named official (Indrika Ratwatte), specific location (Herat province), and numbers (400 returnees, more than 75% women); not high-stakes.
The source language reads straight.
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Ariana News
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Economy — Herat, UNHCR, Islamic Development Bank, Afghan returnees, carpet weaving
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