Kabul: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Japan have signed a $6 million cooperation agreement aimed at supporting displaced Afghans and returnees. The initiative will benefit over 15,000 people across 13 provinces in Afghanistan, focusing on improving their livelihoods and promoting self-reliance.
UNHCR’s representative in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the program’s activities will help strengthen the prosperity and resilience of displaced individuals, returnees, and host communities alike. Jamal also underscored the scale of returns to Afghanistan, revealing that more than 2.1 million Afghans returned to the country in 2024 — a trend expected to continue in 2025. He warned that the way these returns are managed will determine whether Afghanistan moves toward stability or chaos.
Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Takayoshi Kuromiya, reiterated his country’s long-standing commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s development. He stressed Japan’s focus on inclusive and sustainable projects, particularly in agriculture and community-based infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for women.
Since 2021, Japan has provided nearly $30 million to UNHCR’s efforts in Afghanistan, playing a vital role in addressing the country’s humanitarian needs. This latest agreement reflects Japan’s ongoing dedication to helping Afghanistan build a more stable and prosperous future.
