KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban said in a statement on Wednesday that Roza Otunbayeva, in a meeting with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister of refugees, in Kabul has said that the UN is working to mobilize additional financial resources to support returnees, as the country grapples with a surge in deportations from Pakistan and Iran.
According to the statement, the deputy head of UNAMA for political affairs also attended the meeting.
While UNAMA has not issued a public statement, Taliban said Otunbayeva emphasized the UN’s efforts to increase humanitarian assistance and address the growing needs of returnees.
During the meeting, Abdul Kabir called for expanded cooperation on infrastructure projects, including the construction of housing for returnees. He said 58 residential townships have been designated across Afghanistan for this purpose. Kabir also reiterated the Taliban’s willingness to engage with the international community “within the framework of Sharia.”
The meeting comes as deportations of Afghan nationals continue at a rapid pace. According to the United Nations, over 251,000 Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan in April, including more than 96,000 who were forcibly deported. UNHCR has warned of serious protection risks, particularly for women and girls facing increasing restrictions under Taliban rule, as well as for minority groups, former government employees, and journalists.
The UN refugee agency said the mass returns are placing pressure on local authorities and have increased the risk of further displacement. The agency is appealing for $71 million in funding to assist returnees over the next nine months.
