Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
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Between 15 September 2023 and 31 October 2024, close to 760,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan, with UNHCR providing critical assistance to 116,000 of these returnees. Notably, nearly half (49%) of those assisted are women, including 28% girls, while 29% are boys and 22% men. Among the returnees, 2.5% have disabilities and 31% are female-headed households, highlighting the vulnerability of those returning. Return numbers peaked in May and June, with approximately 38,000 people returning each month, before declining to around 36,000 in July, 29,000 in August, 23,000 in September and 24,000 in October. In Afghanistan, UNHCR continued its vital work, providing biometric processing and cash assistance to Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders and their families, UNHCR slip holders, asylum-seeker certificate holders, and those referred for protection. For more information, please see the latest UNHCR Pakistan-Afghanistan Returns Emergency Response Update.
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On 1 October, UNHCR and UNDP Afghanistan signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies focused on promoting the economic inclusion of refugee returnees and their host communities, fostering social cohesion, enhancing resilience to climate change, and facilitating data sharing. The partnership aims to improve the economic resilience and rights of Afghan women, particularly those at heightened risk, by expanding their access to economic opportunities. It is also expected to support resilience to climate change and disaster risk reduction by promoting sustainable natural resource management, including initiatives in renewable and clean energy. Signed on the margins of the Afghanistan Coordination Group Meeting in Dubai, UAE, the agreement builds on a prior partnership (2022–2023) jointly implemented through UNDP’s ABADEI (Area-Based Approach for Development Emergency Initiative) and UNHCR’s Co-PROSPER (Community-Based Protection and Solutions Programme).roach for Development Emergency Initiative) and UNHCR’s Co-PROSPER (Community-Based Protection and Solutions Programme).
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On 17 October, the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) Support Platform marked the official handover of its Chairmanship from Qatar to the Netherlands during a hybrid meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Qatar’s outgoing Chair and the Netherlands' incoming Chair were joined by UNHCR officials, including Assistant High Commissioner for Operations and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, as well as Global SSAR Core Group members. During the meeting, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to Afghan refugee solutions, while the Netherlands expressed gratitude to Qatar for its leadership. Global Core Group members reiterated concerns over restrictive laws by de facto authorities affecting women and girls and emphasised the importance of a gender-sensitive humanitarian response.