Taliban ask UN for aid to manage return of millions of Afghan refugees

Afghanistan's Taliban government is urging the United Nations to invest in housing and job creation to support the return of over eight million Afghan refugees. The call came during a meeting in Kabul between Taliban official Abdul Salam Hanafi and top UN representatives, including Alexander De Croo of the UN Development Programme and Barham Salih of the UN Refugee Agency.

Hanafi stated that these refugees were "expelled by force" from neighboring countries, violating international law. He emphasized the need for housing construction and additional employment opportunities to manage the influx, which has increased pressure on communities already struggling with poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

According to a statement from the Taliban government, De Croo indicated that the UNDP and its partners are prepared to offer cooperation in strengthening the economic system, regional trade, infrastructure development, agricultural advancement, and irrigation expansion. Salih highlighted the importance of collaborating with humanitarian organizations and assured continued assistance for the reintegration of displaced individuals.

The meeting concluded a three-day joint UN mission that also included visits to earthquake-affected communities in Nangarhar province to assess basic service deficiencies. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has faced a significant reduction in international aid and increasing restrictions, particularly on women, impacting humanitarian work and access to education, employment, and public spaces.