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International Migrants Day observed in Kabul
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Monday criticized neighboring countries for their recent decision to expel Afghan refugees and said this was not in keeping with Islam nor was it in the spirit of good neighborliness.
Speaking at an event to mark International Migrants Day, Baradar said the global refugee count has surpassed 100 million, of which many were being denied their basic rights.
On the decision to expel Afghans by neighboring countries, Baradar said these countries had failed to achieve their intended goals. He pointed to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) successful management of handling the returning refugees, and ensuring they had access to necessary facilities.
He also expressed his gratitude to all Afghans, national businessmen, charitable institutions, and international organizations for supporting the Islamic Emirate during this crisis.
He urged continued assistance to refugees in the future.
But he said the United Nations and the international community had a “two-faced attitude”.
He also raised the issue of Gaza and called on the UN and the international community to recognize and respect the rights of these refugees and address the crisis in Gaza.
Baradar also encouraged Afghan refugees abroad to return, highlighting the security and improved quality of life in their home country.
The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Maulawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, cabinet members, representatives from international organizations, foreign embassies in Kabul, and various other government officials.
Afghanistan’s acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund said in a message on the occasion that the world must stop oppression of migrants and that the Islamic Emirate is committed to solving the problems of refugees. He said the IEA considers it its national and religious duty to provide refugees with the best services and to give them their rights.
Maria Moita, the IOM Chief of Mission in Afghanistan, also spoke at the event and said: “We have helped the Afghans while they are being expelled from Pakistan after many years, but we have continued our services for three decades and we are working closely with the Ministry of Migration and since the beginning of this year, we have helped 1.5 million people.”
International Migrants Day comes as millions of Afghans are migrants in other countries, many of whom live in difficult conditions.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
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