KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees signed three agreements with aid organizations, totaling $2.498 million, to provide assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons.
The agreements were made with the Administration and Health Development Organization, Women for Women, and ACTED.
According to a statement from the ministry, Women for Women will allocate over $1.261 million to support the logistical needs of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and assist internally displaced people.
ACTED, another signatory, will spend more than $873,000 on shelter and healthcare initiatives in the provinces of Kunar and Laghman, the statement added.
The ministry also announced that the Administration and Health Development Organization will invest over $363,000 in awareness campaigns, vocational training programs, agricultural nurseries, and other projects in the provinces of Baghlan, Samangan, Balkh, and Jawzjan.
These agreements come at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with a growing refugee crisis. Following the Taliban’s return to power, neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran have intensified the “forced deportation” of Afghan refugees.
Many returnees report facing severe challenges under Taliban rule, including a lack of shelter, limited access to healthcare, widespread hunger, and unemployment, adding to the difficulties they endured during their forced expulsion.
