Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, April 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, visits Torkham border in anticipation of potential Afghan returnee influx - Pg. 01

Drought preparedness in Afghanistan: A slow-onset, early action plan is released by humanitarian partners - Pg. 02

The ban on Afghan women working for NGOs and the UN continues to have an impact on humanitarian operations despite existing workarounds - Pg. 03

Afghanistan faces renewed Moroccan Locust threats to its wheat basket - Pg. 04

UN HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR, INDRIKA RATWATTE, VISITS TORKHAM BORDER IN ANTICIPATION OF POTENTIAL AFGHAN RETURNEE INFLUX

In October 2023, the Government of Pakistan issued a decree titled Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), initiating the return of 1.3 million undocumented foreigners from Pakistan– predominantly Afghan nationals – from 1 November. The plan outlined a phased approach to repatriation, beginning with undocumented Afghan nationals, followed by Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and ultimately, Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders.

Since the implementation of the IFRP, there has been significant movement of Afghan nationals returning home, with over 595,200 people crossing back via the Torkham and Spin Boldak border points as of early April 2024. This wave of returnees comprises 35 per cent Voluntary Repatriation (VolRep), 24 per cent PoR cardholders, 12 per cent nonPoR cardholders and 29 per cent others. Initially, the deportation of Afghan nationals holding PoR cards was scheduled to commence on 1 April 2024. However, based on a recommendation from Pakistan's Ministry of State and Frontier Regions, this phase has been postponed by two months, extending the deadline to 30 June 2024.

The surge in returns over the last six months has placed considerable strain on existing services in return locations, especially Kabul, Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces. Insufficient funding for the humanitarian response, combined with limited basic human needs support in host communities, has left returnee populations struggling to make ends meet. A Multi-Sectoral Rapid Needs Assessment (MRAT) of Afghan Returnees and host communities conducted in early 2024 identified consistent priority needs across regions. These include critical food assistance, essential cash support for urgent financial needs and secure housing solutions. For longer-term needs, sustained access to essential resources, continued food sustenance, financial stability, livelihoods, income-generating activities and access to healthcare services are crucial for achieving sustainable community well-being.

In 2024 alone, it is anticipated that over 1.4 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan will cross borders, exacerbating the already fragile humanitarian situation within Afghanistan. On 30 April 2024, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Indrika Ratwatte, and the Heads of OCHA, IOM, UNHCR and UNDP’s Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan, visited the Torkham border crossing point in Nangarhar Province. The visit provided a first-hand view of the critical work being done by UN agencies and partners to assist Afghan returnees, from screening and registration upon arrival to healthcare check-ups and the provision of protection and referral services, including individual case management and family reunification.

During his visit, the Humanitarian Coordinator conducted meetings with male and female returnees separately to gain a deeper understanding of their needs. He also met with de facto provincial authorities to discuss their efforts in receiving and reintegrating returnees. During his discussion, Mr. Ratwatte emphasized the pressing need to provide support to Afghans returning home and to address their reintegration needs in areas of return. “I urge the international community to strengthen their support for the people of Afghanistan, recognizing the critical need for assistance during this challenging period" he said.

Of the total returnees, 49 per cent are female, including 29 per cent who are girls and 59 per cent who are children.