Afghanistan Peace CampaignMeanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has also assured that necessary facilities are being provided in all camps for deportees.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has assured that healthcare and basic services are being provided to Afghans returning from Iran.
UNICEF’s country representative told TOLOnews that efforts are underway to expand support for returnees, particularly in areas where they are settling permanently.
Tajuddin Oyewale, UNICEF’s Representative in Afghanistan, said: “For those in primary school, we are able to link them to primary school. For those who need healthcare, we are able to link them to healthcare and increase our output in those areas. But increasing those outputs also comes at cost for us because we are also faced with funding crisis. So we are doing as much as we can with a lot of efficiency to be able to meet the need.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has also assured that necessary facilities are being provided in all camps for deportees.
Abdul Rahman Rashid, deputy minister, said: “When they reach their home provinces, we will establish camps and residential communities for them to ensure shelter and long-term housing.”
However, families recently deported from Iran are calling for shelter and sufficient food for their children while staying in a camp in Kabul.
Fatima, a mother who was born in Iran and returned to Afghanistan after 26 years in exile, has made a sunshade out of a sack for her children. As she speaks about her children’s condition, her voice chokes with emotion.
Fatima said: “My daughter was in 7th grade and was supposed to enter 8th this year. When I look at her, my heart breaks. She says, ‘Mother, how are we supposed to live in Afghanistan?’ I don’t even know if I can provide them with a single piece of bread.”
Her daughter Khadija stated: “We have neither a house nor anywhere to go. At least in Iran, we had a roof over our heads.”
Her husband, Faizullah, said: “My only hope was that my children would study and earn degrees. I was ready to work hard even beg for food just so my kids could succeed. Sadly, that dream never came true.”
This comes as the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, especially Iran and Pakistan, has intensified in recent years.