UNHCR’s Representative in Afghanistan visited Kandahar province to scale up support for refugee returnee communities, a key return area in the country, while continuing to respond to emerging needs along the border.
According to a press release issued today (Sunday, April 5), the delegation included UNHCR’s Representative in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, accompanied by Dr. Nanda Evalist, Chargé d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul.
During the visit, Arafat Jamal said, “I visited Takhtapul reception centre and saw firsthand the needs on the ground. To support reintegration, we are working to expand access to education, health, shelter, and livelihoods so that refugee returnees can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”
The delegation inaugurated Regi Kalacha School in Kandahar, one of six Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported schools providing safe education to nearly 8,000 students, with a USD 2.5 million investment.
The delegation also reviewed UNHCR reintegration programs and visited Talimat Khas School, Kandahar’s only school for children with hearing disabilities.
Last year, UNHCR assisted over 364,000 people in Kandahar and nearby provinces, and with more than 166,000 returning from Pakistan this year, further returns are expected.
UNHCR, with partners, continues to address border emergencies while seeking more support to expand aid for returnees and host communities.
