Muttaqi urges IFRC to increase support to Afghan returnees

Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Alexander Matheou, Regional Director for Asia Pacific of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), on Tuesday and urged him to intensify efforts to support returning Afghan refugees, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Muttaqi expressed appreciation for the IFRC’s services in Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of the organization’s effective collaboration with vulnerable communities across various sectors, the statement read.

He urged all international humanitarian organizations, particularly the IFRC to expand their support for needy returnees.

He specifically pointed out that the recent surge in returning Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran has created an urgent need for the provision of shelter, safe drinking water, healthcare services, and livelihood opportunities.

Muttaqi further called for the establishment of well-equipped and standardized clinics within the country to treat children suffering from heart conditions.

In response, Alexander Matheou stated that approximately 300 clinics and hospitals in Afghanistan are currently supported by the IFRC, and pledged to continue and expand the organization’s healthcare assistance in the country.

Matheou also thanked the Islamic Emirate for its cooperation in facilitating humanitarian operations and the equitable delivery of services, promising to intensify efforts to support cardiac patients and provide broader assistance to vulnerable Afghans.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, expansion of humanitarian aid, and increased financial and logistical support for healthcare centers across Afghanistan.