The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, met with Mr. Indrika Ratwatte, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, along with his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, Mr. Indrika Ratwatte expressed his pleasure at the meeting and stated that the purpose of his work and that of his colleagues in the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations is to cooperate with Afghanistan in various sectors, particularly concerning the issue of returnees. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation and coordination of the responsible authorities of the Islamic Emirate in this regard.
Mr. Ratwatte added that the issue of assisting returnees currently carries particular importance, and the United Nations is striving to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate in this area.
The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan stated that from 2023 to 2025, 4.5 million refugees have returned to the country. He noted that the return of such a large number of refugees within this period would represent a major challenge for any nation, yet the Islamic Emirate has been able to manage the matter effectively.
Following this, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, His Excellency Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, welcomed Mr. Indrika Ratwatte and his delegation and expressed gratitude to domestic and international aid organizations and individuals for their assistance to Afghanistan, including support related to refugees.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs added that prolonged imposed wars, climate change, and natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes on one hand, and the forced expulsion of refugees from neighboring countries on the other, have increased the need for broader cooperation and coordination so that returnees can be properly assisted and their problems effectively addressed.
He further emphasized that enhanced coordination in providing services to returnees will result in greater transparency and improved delivery of assistance, expressing hope that the United Nations and other responsible organizations will fulfill their duties to ensure the rights of these individuals.
