The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has called on international organizations to sustain and expand assistance for returning refugees and disaster victims, particularly as winter approaches.

According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi raised the appeal during a farewell meeting in Kabul with Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan.

Otunbayeva assured Afghan officials that the United Nations remains committed to providing aid for refugees and victims of recent natural disasters. She noted that UN agencies are working to increase humanitarian support, especially for those affected by the recent devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.

Andrika Ratute, the UN Special Representative for Development, also attended the meeting, highlighting that significant assistance had already been delivered to earthquake victims. She stressed the urgency of preparing shelters before the onset of winter, warning that immediate measures are critical to protect vulnerable families.

Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi expressed appreciation for Ms. Otunbayeva’s service in Afghanistan and her efforts to strengthen cooperation between the UN and the Afghan people. He emphasized the importance of continued humanitarian support, particularly for Afghan refugees who have recently returned to the country.

“We are grateful for the assistance provided so far,” Hanafi said, “but there is a need for ongoing and increased international aid to ensure that returning refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity.”

With thousands of displaced families still lacking proper shelter and livelihoods, the Islamic Emirate underscored that international engagement remains essential to stabilize the lives of returnees and disaster-affected communities.

The call comes amid growing humanitarian needs across Afghanistan, as the combination of refugee returns, earthquake recovery, and seasonal challenges place added pressure on aid agencies and local authorities. (ILKHA)