KABUL — Italy has contributed €3.5 million through its Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to support humanitarian assistance for returnees in Afghanistan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced.
The funding comes as forced deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan continue to rise. Both countries have announced plans to resume mass deportations in 2025, further straining Afghanistan’s borders and provinces with high return rates.
The 12-month project will strengthen IOM’s response to the humanitarian, protection, and health needs of undocumented returnees, aiming to assist more than 25,000 people. Assistance will be provided through IOM’s eight reception and transit centers along the borders with Iran and Pakistan, as well as in provinces experiencing high return numbers.
IOM said the project would also enhance data-driven interventions by supporting its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to improve monitoring and response efforts.
“IOM’s continued partnership with Italy has been crucial in reaching thousands of Afghan returnees and other vulnerable communities,” said Miah Park, IOM Afghanistan’s Chief of Mission.
“With this renewed support, we can address urgent challenges at the borders and in high-return areas, where communities are struggling to absorb growing numbers of returnees. This aid will help us respond to immediate needs and reduce the risk of secondary displacement,” she added.
In 2024, IOM recorded more than 1.3 million Afghan returnees, nearly 67 percent of whom were forcibly deported.
