Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
- In Afghanistan, UNHCR and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) providing a framework for cooperation on livelihoods and self-reliance for returnees and host communities and aimed at sustainable reintegration on 17 December. Following this, UNHCR Afghanistan’s Representative re-signed the MoU with UNCTAD in Geneva, Switzerland, on 20 December, reaffirming the commitment of donor countries to help strengthen inter-agency partnerships to better enable the UN system to deliver as one. This renewed collaboration focuses on simplifying border processes for refugees and returnees, enhancing the ASYCUDA exemptions system for personal belongings and supporting enterprises led by returnees and host communities to engage in global trade. ASYCUDA, UNCTAD's flagship customs automation programme, provides an integrated system to automate and streamline customs management. UNCTAD welcomed UNHCR's financial support for these efforts, as both agencies seek to mobilise funding and conduct regular, evidence-based reviews to promote effective implementation.
- Between 15 September 2023 and 31 December 2024, around 806,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan as part of the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, with UNHCR providing critical assistance to over 117,700 of these returnees. Notably, nearly half (49%) of those assisted are women, including 28% girls, while 29% are boys and 22% men. Among returnees, 2.5% have disabilities and 32% are female-headed households, highlighting the vulnerability of those returning. Some 315,100 returned in 2024 alone, corresponding to an average of 26,300 returns per month, out of which 750 were deported. 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 PakistanAfghanistan Returns Emergency Response Update and Border Monitoring Report.
- On 9 December, UNHCR Iran hosted a meeting with the diplomatic corps on the international response to Afghan refugees and host communities. Representatives from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Centre for Aliens and Foreign Immigrant Affairs, and other key stakeholders, including the UNHCR Representative, the Netherlands Ambassadordesignate (Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees Support Platform Chair), and the Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, provided updates on Iran’s situation, growing needs, funding challenges, the Afghanistan Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan, and Afghanistan’s impact on women and girls. The session fostered constructive exchanges and future planning for 2025.
- In 2024, UNHCR and its partners provided humanitarian assistance to over 1.7 million people across all 34 provinces, with a strong focus on protection support. Among those reached, over 323,000 people received cash assistance, while over 1.4 million benefited from in-kind aid and other forms of support, including core relief items, shelter, seasonal assistance, and community-based interventions. Needs assessments were conducted for close to 729,000 people to determine the specific support required.