During 2020, UNHCR provided assistance to 2,147 Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan (1,092), Iran (947), and other countries (172) including India, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. More than half (53%) of refugee returnees in 2020 returned to Kabul, Sar-e-Pul, Kunduz, Balkh, and Baghlan provinces. The return figures were lower compared to 2019 and 2018 (by 73% and 86% respectively), largely due to the temporary suspension of voluntary repatriation linked to COVID-19, coupled with the worsening security context, lack of basic services and economic opportunities in Afghanistan as well as uncertainty surrounding the peace process. All refugee returnees were provided, upon arrival, with a cash grant averaging $250 per person to help them address their immediate needs and potential protection risks during the initial phases of return to Afghanistan. In 2020 the value of cash grant was increased from $200 to $250 in view of increased in country transportation costs due to COVID-19. A range of inter-agency services were also provided for returning refugees, including basic health and malnutrition screening and vaccination, mine risk awareness, information on school enrolment and transit facility for overnight accommodation. UNHCR adopted a new procedure for encashment centres (ECs) aimed to prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19 through awareness-raising sessions, health screening, referral of suspected cases to health facilities, distribution of PPE for returnees and staff including partner staff working in the ECs.
Adequate returnee monitoring was maintained in all four ECs in Afghanistan. During 2020, a total of 418 household level interviews (around 20% of total returnees) were conducted with the newly arrived returnees upon their arrival in the ECs, including 228 male and 190 female respondents. The findings helped to systematically assess return trends, the voluntariness of return, reasons for the decision to return and to identify persons with specific needs. It also helped to better understand the conditions and protection concerns in countries of asylum.
Monthly cross-border coordination teleconferences were organized (UNHCR Afghanistan and Pakistan/Iran) during which issues related to voluntary repatriation, protection situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran as well as other operational issues including impact of COVID-19 were discussed.
The 7th meeting of the Quadripartite Meeting, attended by the high-level representatives from the Governments of the Islamic Republics of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan and UNHCR, was virtually held on 1 October 2020. During the meeting, all parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of voluntary, safe and dignified returns. This regional framework is an important forum for allowing the parties to discuss progress, challenges and the way forward in relation to the implementation of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) to support voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries.
DAFI scholarship cash grants were provided for 40 vulnerable returnee students ($300 per student per month) to support their education-related costs, including study materials, living expenses, transportation and accommodation during the academic year. A WhatsApp group was established for DAFI students which played an important role during the COVID-19 quarantine and allowed all DAFI students to reach UNHCR for necessary information and support.