Afghan Returnees Strain Resources and Services, UN Calls for Sustainable Solutions

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme has reported that approximately six million Afghan citizens have returned to the country since late 2023. This influx has put significant pressure on public services, infrastructure, and Afghanistan’s limited resources, prompting the need for sustainable solutions to manage the situation.

Increasing Pressure on Public Services and Infrastructure

The UN-Habitat has stated that the large-scale return of migrants is seriously challenging Afghanistan’s public services and infrastructure capacity. Many of these facilities were already struggling with lack of resources and capabilities prior to this wave of returnees.

Challenges Facing Returnees and Host Communities

According to the report, nearly half of Afghanistan’s population still requires humanitarian assistance, and returnees, along with host communities, are grappling with numerous issues, including poverty, food insecurity, inadequate housing, limited access to essential services, and the impacts of climate change.

The agency warns that the continuation of this situation could escalate pressure on local resources and complicate efforts to meet humanitarian needs.

Emphasis on Sustainable Solutions

UN-Habitat underscores that emergency and short-term humanitarian aid alone cannot address the extensive challenges posed by the mass return of migrants. The agency advocates for the implementation of long-term programs to manage this crisis, emphasizing the need for investment in infrastructure development, job creation, enhancement of public services, and strengthening local community capacities.

Importance of Supporting Host Regions

The United Nations human settlements agency believes that bolstering urban and rural infrastructure and providing support to host regions are crucial for alleviating the pressure resulting from the return of millions of migrants while improving the living conditions of returnees.

The agency has called on the international community to assist Afghanistan in managing this humanitarian challenge through support for developmental programs.