The Government of Japan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have signed a new $6 million agreement for a project to promote vital livelihoods opportunities for forcibly displaced Afghans, including refugee returnees, as well as the communities supporting them.

The new project is funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Under the partnership, various activities will be launched to empower vulnerable populations, prioritising women, in several UNHCR-designated priority areas where there are high numbers of returnees and displaced.

Activities will include constructing and operationalising dairy processing and production centres for women; building cold storage facilities to support fresh vegetable farming; building greenhouses; a new carpet weaving processing centre and a silk weaving processing and production facility, and business and market centres.

Other interventions will include training and capacity-building, including setting up and supporting local co-operatives to ensure the facilities are fully operationalized and effectively utilized.

The initiatives are designed to provide sustainable income opportunities, supporting self-reliance, helping to reduce vulnerabilities to economic and other shocks, while also empowering people, especially women, to contribute to their communities and make decisions about their future.

“We are delighted to work with JICA on these important efforts aimed at building resilience for refugee returnees, forcibly displaced persons and host communities, with a particular focus on women”, said UNHCR’s Representative in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal.

“It is crucial to create new opportunities for economic inclusion. Not only does it reduce displaced persons’ dependency on humanitarian aid, but it boosts dignity and prosperity for the entire community.”

The Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, Takayoshi Kuromiya, said: “The Government of Japan is committed to continue supporting Afghanistan, especially through projects in agriculture and community-based infrastructure that are inclusive and sustainable and offer opportunities for women.

“We hope this project will help to reduce vulnerabilities, build social cohesion and create stronger communities”.

The interventions will be rolled out in various locations across Afghanistan, including Balkh, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Logar and Paktiya provinces, which host large numbers of returnees and displaced populations.

The project aims to alleviate pressure on host communities, strengthen social cohesion and create conditions for sustainable reintegration.