UNAMA, Afghan officials meet, discuss jobs, food security, and returnees

Din Mohammad Hanif, Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy, held a high-level meeting on Sunday in Kabul with Roza Otunbayeva, Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Andrea Rattwatte, UNAMA’s Deputy Special Representative where they discussed numerous issues including the need for ongoing humanitarian assistance and challenges facing returning refugees.

During the meeting, Otunbayeva emphasized the need for sustained international support to facilitate the reintegration of returnees.

She praised the efforts of the Supreme Commission for Returnee Affairs and other designated committees, noting that addressing vulnerable regions affected by recurring droughts, climate change, and economic hardships requires global cooperation and investment in social infrastructure.

Hanif in turn welcomed the humanitarian assistance provided by UN agencies and the international community, calling for a continued focus on development programs that create employment and strengthen household economies.

He highlighted the importance of integrating returning migrants into society through public works and community-based initiatives in designated residential settlements across Afghanistan’s provinces.

The minister also stressed that tackling food insecurity and improving living standards through coordinated national programs remains a central goal. Our focus is on reducing poverty and unemployment effectively while utilizing all available resources to enhance economic and social well-being, he said.

Otunbayeva reaffirmed UNAMA’s commitment to ongoing humanitarian support, particularly in resettlement areas for returnees. She also emphasized the UN’s role in facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries in collaboration with host nations.