Afghanistan Peace CampaignSpeaking to Sky News, he warned that extremist and armed groups could exploit the current situation, potentially fueling instability in the region and beyond.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Saleh, said at the conclusion of his visit to Afghanistan that tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan should be resolved as soon as possible, urging both neighboring countries to work toward de-escalation and restoring stability.
Speaking to Sky News, he warned that extremist and armed groups could exploit the current situation, potentially fueling instability in the region and beyond.
Barham Saleh, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said: “Regarding the security situation, we must closely monitor developments in this country and remain alert to the possibility that extremist groups may exploit the current circumstances. My appeal is that these tensions be resolved as quickly as possible. They should not be allowed to continue.”
He also stated that existing mechanisms for addressing the situation of Afghan refugees—including the trilateral framework involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, as well as the Swiss-facilitated Doha Process—should be reactivated and strengthened.
Barham Saleh added: “There is also the Doha Process and the Swiss-supported initiative aimed at finding strategic solutions for Afghan refugees. We need to reactivate and mobilize these frameworks to ensure that at least some of these challenges are addressed.”
Meanwhile, following visits to several provinces, the UN official, together with Alexander De Croo, head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held separate meetings with senior officials of the Islamic Emirate, including the Deputy Administrative Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Minister of Refugees and Repatriation. During the meetings, both sides emphasized support for returnees and strengthening Afghanistan’s economy.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, said: “Since the Islamic Emirate came to power, millions of Afghan refugees have returned to the country. Unfortunately, most of them have been forcibly deported, and this process is still continuing from Pakistan.”
The visit by the two senior UN officials comes as, according to United Nations figures, more than six million Afghan migrants and refugees have returned to the country. Their successful reintegration into Afghanistan’s economy will require stronger international cooperation and support.