Press Release: Afghanistan Conference must have durable solutionsfor displaced Afghansat its core

Kabul, 16 November 2020:From 23-24 November, government ministers and high-level officials from across the world will take part in the 2020 Afghanistan Conference. Held every four years, the Conference presents an important opportunity for the international community to express its commitment to the people of Afghanistan. At this unique moment in Afghanistan’s history, the Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) believes that the protection – and long-term solutions for Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons – must be at the forefront of the international community’s discussion with the Afghan Government.

The ADSP recognises the significance of the Afghanistan Conference, acknowledging its crucial function for the Afghan Government and the international community to commit to, and work towards, common development objectives. Importantly, states must ensure that displaced populations are not left behind and seek to advance long-term and sustainable solutions for displaced Afghans. This includes setting out a strategic vision to address displacement inside the country and across the region, to providing flexible and multi-year humanitarian funding for NGOs to meet immediate needs, and identifying linkages for government and development actors to support displacement-affected populations. Across the region, donors should continue to provide financial and technical support to neighbouring countries that host Afghan refugees such as Iran and Pakistan, and promote regional cooperation.

ADSP Coordinator, Evan Jones, noted that “While Afghanistan is at an important crossroads on its development path, there remain significant humanitarian challenges afflicting the country, and donor states will need to sustain their commitment for some time to come. Addressing the humanitarian needs of growing numbers of IDPs and other displacement-affected Afghans must be at the forefront of these efforts”. One such displaced individual, Bostan, an Afghan refugee that has been living in Quetta, Pakistan for nearly twenty years, describes his life as one of perennial limbo. He noted, “Afghanistan is my home, and of course I’d like to return one day. However, even the thought of returning makes me scared for my life. It is better to stay in Pakistan where I can study, where I can work, and where I’m safe.”

For many years, the concept of ‘return and reintegration’ has featured prominently on Afghanistan’s development agenda, including as a central tenet of Afghanistan’s National Peace and Development Framework 2017-2021. Whilst returning Afghans can undoubtedly bring a boon in skills, financial capacity and knowledge, it must not be forgotten that Afghanistan remains a tumultuous country, and one that is presently not safe – nor conducive – for refugees to return in safety and dignity. Furthermore, with an estimated 4.1 million Afghans already displaced inside country, the opportunities for successful reintegration are slim.

Whilst the Conference is an important milestone, it will not in itself, provide all the answers – especially for refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons. The international community needs to double down on their efforts to support displaced Afghans, including those in neighbouring countries. Countries like Pakistan and Iran have hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, and, should not have to shoulder such a responsibility alone. In the spirit of international responsibility sharing, states must continue their support for refugee hosting nations, whilst simultaneously addressing barriers to return inside Afghanistan. In addition, states should explore additional ways by which they can offer long-term protection to vulnerable refugees that are unable to return, including through traditional resettlement and complementary pathways.

With more than 14 million people in dire humanitarian need, and estimates of 14.7 million people experiencing acute food insecurity from August to October 2020, the ADSP remains steadfastly committed to supporting and working with all relevant stakeholders to achieve durable solutions for displaced Afghans across the region. 

The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP)is a joint initiative of the Danish Refugee Council, International Rescue Committee, Norwegian Refugee Council and Relief International, which aims to contribute to the development of solutions for populations affected by displacement in the Asia region.

Media Contact:

Evan Jones, ADSP Coordinator

Tel: +66 (0) 972 464 270 IEmail:evan.jones@adsp.ngo