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Afghanistan + 2 more

UNHCR Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific (RBAP): External Update: Afghanistan Situation #35, As of 1 June 2024

Attachments

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Government of Pakistan’s decision to extend the validity of proof of registration (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees in April until 30 June 2024 has provided temporary relief to those fearing repatriation, and ensured continued access to essential services. The announcement follows a period of increased press reports regarding the roll-out of Phase II of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP)”. While returns have slowed considerably since the height of returns in November/December 2023, anxiety at the community level remains high, particularly regarding access to education and women's rights in Afghanistan. UNHCR has intensified its advocacy with the Government of Pakistan to extend the validity period of PoR cards beyond 30 June and continues to closely monitor movement trends. For more information on trends, please see the latest Afghan Returns External Update.

  • More than 610,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan between 15 September 2023 and 31 May 2024. Returns have been steadily increasing since March this year, with May showing a significant increase of approximately 40,000 returns. In Afghanistan, UNHCR continued to biometrically process and provide cash assistance to PoR card holders and their nuclear family members, UNHCR slip holders, asylum-seeker certificate holders and Afghans with other protection referrals. Since 15 September 2023, some 93,200 individuals who returned from Pakistan have been provided with cash assistance in Kabul, Kandahar and Jalalabad Encashment Centres, including over 50,400 PoR card holders. UNHCR has stepped up its advocacy with the Government of Pakistan to advocate for the protection of refugees, leveraging the influence of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) Core Group+ through strategic ambassadorial and technical-level engagements.

  • Heavy rainfall on 10–11 May caused fast-flowing water and flash floods in northeastern Afghanistan, followed by further flooding on 17–18 May in the northern and western regions. More floods occurred on 24–26 May in the northeast. Significant destruction to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods has led to displacement and exacerbated humanitarian needs, with over 3,200 homes damaged in the northeast and 3,800 in the west, and more than 300 fatalities. As part of the response, UNHCR and partners participated in OCHA-led joint assessment teams and carried out protection assessments and provided emergency shelter, core-relief items (CRIs) and clothing support. In the northeastern region, over 450 emergency tents, some 750 CRI kits, and more than 1,500 sets of clothing were distributed. In Ghor Province, 100 families received emergency tents, close to 350 CRI kits, and 350 clothing sets. A comprehensive protection response has been initiated, offering psychosocial first aid, identifying vulnerable individuals, raising awareness on available services, and conducting referrals through various outreach methods. Response teams on the ground remain focused on linking immediate aid with long-term resilience and recovery initiatives.