Many of those returning bring little or nothing with them, and they come back to a country facing enormous challenges.
Erik Abild
Director for Humanitarian Assistance and Comprehensive Response at Norad (second person from right)
Afghanistan: Crisis upon crisis
– The earthquakes in Afghanistan is a crisis upon a crisis, with a critical displacement situation ongoing in a country where 22 million people already are in need, says Erik Abild, Director for Humanitarian Assistance and Comprehensive Response at Norad.
Powerful earthquakes struck eastern Afghanistan this week, causing a high number of fatalities and extensive destruction. Access to the hardest-hit areas is difficult, but the humanitarian response has been immediate. Several of Norway’s humanitarian partners are on the ground, providing life-saving assistance. Through joint emergency relief funds and flexible agreements, Norway ensures that our partners are able to respond quickly.
The earthquakes come on top of an already severe displacement crisis.
Every day, thousands of people are being forcibly returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan. So far this year, over one million people have been forced to return from Iran alone.
Support for emergency response and longer-term efforts
Afghanistan is among the countries hardest hit by cuts in international aid. The economic situation is extremely challenging, and the UN warns of rising hunger due to drought. Afghanistan is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change and suffers from severe restrictions on women’s rights. More than 22 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
At the border, returnees receive immediate assistance, including information, water, a hot meal, legal assistance, transportation and cash support so they can cover their most urgent needs. This response is led by IOM, which coordinates a joint effort by the UN and partners together with local authorities and the local private sector. Most of the aid workers are Afghans, welcoming their fellow countrymen and women in need - many employed by Norad’s partners. The most vulnerable - single women and children - receive extra protection and support from courageous Afghan female aid workers, says Abild.
Erik Abild is in Afghanistan this week to follow the situation at the border with Iran. Norway supports both emergency relief and long-term efforts.
Immediate assistance is now needed for those affected by the earthquakes, but it is also important to continue the efforts to support those who have been forcibly returned. Over time, a continued comprehensive response is crucial. Norway contributes to both.
With immense humanitarian needs and limited access to basic services, returnees risk being left without opportunities to rebuild their lives. This can also lead to increased migration pressure towards Europe, a rise in extremism, and destabilisation of both the country and the region.
Families at the Torkham border crossing, newly arrived from Pakistan, are preparing for the next step in their journey. With uncertain prospects ahead, they are setting out to rebuild their lives in Afghanistan.