The European Union’s representation in Afghanistan has pledged 15 million euros to assist returning migrants, underscoring their commitment to aiding individuals undertaking the arduous journey back to their homeland.
This representation, through the social media platform X, has stated that the European Union’s assistance will be channelled through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This collaborative approach ensures that the EU’s contributions are efficiently and effectively distributed to those in need, underlining the commitment to addressing migration challenges in a coordinated manner.
The European Union’s representation has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that returning migrants feel secure and have access to the support needed to regain a sense of home. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of Afghanistan has announced the convening of a high-level meeting chaired by Abdul Salam Hanafi, the acting administrative deputy head of the cabinet, to address the issue of forced migrant returns.
During this meeting, discussions centred on fostering cooperation with returning migrants and establishing committees to assess their situations. Reports indicate that in the lead-up to the deadline for the voluntary repatriation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, nearly 8,000 migrants have returned to Afghanistan in the past week. Despite international reactions, the Pakistani Ministry of Interior has emphasized that there are currently no plans to extend the deadline for migrant repatriation.
International Amnesty has also sent an open letter to Anwar ul-Haq Kakar, the interim Prime Minister of Pakistan, urging him to extend the deadline for the expulsion of Afghan migrants from the country until November 1st.
Furthermore, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, in her statement on social media, expressed support for Afghan migrants, emphasizing that children, women, men, and elderly individuals seeking refuge in the country deserve dignity and protection, not harassment and persecution.
