Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in Kabul to address critical issues facing Afghan returnees.

The meeting focused on the challenges confronting Afghan refugees, including the need for returnees to have sufficient time to settle their affairs in host countries, such as selling or transferring property. Minister Muttaqi stressed the importance of ensuring a dignified and orderly return process to ease the reintegration of these individuals into Afghan society.

Grandi reaffirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to closely monitoring the situation of Afghan refugees and pledged to provide support to the fullest extent possible. He highlighted ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian needs of returnees, many of whom face significant obstacles, including economic hardship and lack of access to basic services.

The talks underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to mitigate the difficulties faced by returning Afghans. With thousands of refugees being deported from Iran and Pakistan in recent years, Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure and economy continue to strain under the pressure of reintegration. The UNHCR and Afghan authorities vowed to work collaboratively to address these challenges and improve conditions for returnees.

This meeting comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of Afghan refugees in neighboring countries and the broader humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where conflict, poverty, and natural disasters have displaced millions. (ILKHA)