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 14 December 2009
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UNHCR: Numbers of returning Afghans on the decline

14/12/2009

In 2009, the number of Afghans returning to their homeland has dropped to 54,000, a significant decrease since last year.

Afghan refugees in Islamabad, Pakistan

Afghan refugees in Islamabad, Pakistan

Ewen MacLeod, Afghanistan Country Representative of the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, told reporters in Kabul on Monday that returns remain low for four reasons.

"First of all, the security situation that certainly discourages refugees from returning to their homeland. Secondly, the difficulties of access to refugee provinces of origin and many parts of the country. Thirdly, concerns about employment and economic opportunities for returning Afghans, if they choose to come back home. And, fourth, the fact that so many of the remaining population have been out of Afghanistan for such a long time."

Ewen MacLeod believes economic growth and opportunities will encourage more Afghans to return home. But in the same breath, he says UNHCR does not have solutions to the economic challenges.

MacLeod has, however, promised to continue building 10,000 housing units. Since 2002, UNHCR has been associated with a housing programme and has helped build close to 200,000 home for returnees.

Today, there are approximately 2.6 million Afghan refugees still living outside their homeland. Something that UNHCR is not proud of, says the Country Representative.

Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'27")

Sound bites

Ewen MacLeod, UNHCR Afghanistan Country Representative Cut 1

"First of all, the security situation that certainly discourages refugees from returning to their homeland. Secondly, the difficulties of access to refugee provinces of origin and many parts of the country. Thirdly, concerns about employment and economic opportunities for returning Afghans, if they choose to come back home. And, fourth, the fact that so many of the remaining population have been out of Afghanistan for such a long time."
Duration: 00:00:29

Ewen MacLeod, UNHCR Afghanistan Country Representative Cut 2

"But we know that housing and shelter is not enough. We know that returning refugees need access to schools for their children. They need access to health services for their family; they need access to employment and jobs. And most of all, what they are looking for is some greater predictability to their lives, which will come when peace and security are established."
Duration: 00:00:24

Ewen MacLeod, UNHCR Afghanistan Country Representative Cut 3

"In order for UNHCR to do its work and to continue to defend the interests of refugees, as distinct from people who cross borders to look for work or to do business, we think it is very important that the principle of asylum is upheld and recognized and distinguished from economic migration."
Duration: 00:00:25

Ewen MacLeod, UNHCR Afghanistan Country Representative Cut 4

"The majority of those still remaining in Iran and Pakistan have been outside Afghanistan for more than 25 years. More than half are children who were born outside Afghanistan. And, today, we feel that soon we will witness a third generation of refugees born to the children of the original refugees."
Duration: 00:00:22