Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kabul (Fides Service) - About one million Afghans who had fled to neighbouring Iran are back in the own country hoping to resume life as normal. This is thanks to an operation of voluntary repatriation started in April 2002 by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees UNHCR. However another million Afghans who fled the oppressive Taleban regime are still in Iran.
“We have been helping with the reconstruction of Afghanistan for two years now” said Ruud Lubbers UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “To get back on its feet after years of war the country is undergoing a long and difficult process and the recent deterioration of security conditions in parts of the country is a cause for concern. However, all told, the situation is positive with regard to what has been achieved so far”.
Over the last weeks, according to UNHCR, repatriation continued at the rate of 4,000 Afghans a day and the country stands to benefit for the future: “Many of those who fled to Iran are well educated and professional trained and are essential for the future of Afghanistan” said Philippe Lavanchy UNHCR representative in Iran. “Every returning teacher can teach hundreds of children to read and write, every doctor can save lives, everyone can contribute to rebuilding the country”.
UNHCR is engaged in a campaign to inform refugees on the conditions of the voluntary repatriation programme which include free transport and a sum of money to buy food on arrival in Afghanistan. Once they return, refugees are assisted by local programmes. If repatriation continues at this rate UNHCR hopes that another 200,000 Afghans will return home by March next year when the programme of voluntary repatriation will terminate.
UNHCR is working with the Iranian authorities to find long term solutions for about 800,000 Afghans expected to remain in Iran after that date.
Since the beginning of the programme in April 2002, more than 3.6 million Afghans have returned home mainly from Pakistan and Iran.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/9/2004 lines 41 words 453)
