As of December 2021, there were an estimated 3.5 million IDPs displaced due to conflict. Whilst displacement due to conflict has decreased since the Taliban de facto authorities assumed power, deepening poverty and a dire humanitarian situation continues to act as push factors for IDPs.

To address prolonged internal displacement, the Taliban authorities have been increasing pressure on IDPs in some informal settlements to return, and for humanitarian actors to support returns from informal settlements to areas of origin. The humanitarian response architecture currently in place in Afghanistan, however, remains ill-equipped to provide comprehensive long-term support across the country. With most development funding to Afghanistan suspended since mid-August 2021 because of international sanctions, the current response is almost exclusively geared towards the provision of short-term emergency interventions to displaced and host communities.

The reasons for Afghanistan’s protracted IDP populations are complex and cannot simply be attributed to conflict and insecurity. Whilst this may be the reality for some, for many it is only one element affecting their decision to leave and remain displaced. For millions of Afghans, disasters, climate change, and conflict provide a complex web of factors that result in their areas of origin being untenable places to live. These factors may be the reason for leaving, as well as the reason for being unable to return. In Badghis, the area proposed for pilot returns, approximately 74% of households are affected by drought. As such, with the resultant food insecurity, inability to practice traditional livelihoods, and lack of essential needs such as water – for many – return is untenable.

ADSP stresses the importance of the principle of voluntariness in all efforts to facilitate the return of IDPs to areas of origin. Return must only be made in conditions that are safe, informed, orderly, regular, dignified, and voluntary. Moreover, IDPs must have autonomy in their decision-making regarding relocation, and must be free from coercion, pressure, or intimidation to return.

Should cash assistance be utilised, it must be accompanied with a comprehensive suite of other services in areas of return. This should include livelihoods, economic recovery, education, food security, water and sanitation, healthcare, and protection. Moreover, population movements must also be considered in the context of traditional seasonal migration within the country. A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to cash for return is far too simple and does not bring a comprehensive approach to developing solutions.

This Briefing Note highlights four elements that must be considered when addressing IDP displacement in Afghanistan: 

• Durable solutions are only possible if all stakeholders – including the Taliban authorities and humanitarian and development actors – work together systematically to facilitate the fulfilment of IDPs’ intentions, whether these include return, local integration, or relocation, without discrimination nor impediments.
• Return initiatives need to be sufficiently resourced and must extend well-beyond ‘cash for return’ modalities. A holistic response that keeps durable solutions front and centre is required, as is the need for multi-year funding.
• Returns cannot and must not be seen as the only viable durable solution for IDPs. Greater investment and engagement are needed to support a range of initiatives that supports the broader durable solutions agenda.
• International organisations need to define, articulate, and share how the success of any pilot will be measured. This must be accompanied by clear timelines and monitoring frameworks for how such an assessment will be done.

Please see the full briefing note here.