U.S. Provides Additional $9.5 million to Assist Afghan Refugees and Returnees

The United States is pleased to announce contributions totaling $9.5 million to eight non-governmental organizations for 13 projects that will assist Afghan refugees and returnees. With these contributions, non-governmental organizations will continue to fill critical gaps in the sectors of shelter, health care, water and sanitation, and capacity building. Three of the organizations -- Afghan Center, International Rescue Committee, and Relief International will implement projects to ensure that Afghan women receive literacy and vocational skills training. Two health projects implemented by the International Medical Corps will continue to offer maternal and child health care to newly-returned refugees inside Afghanistan and to Afghan refugees living in camps in Pakistan.

Since September 11, 2001, the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration has provided $216 million to support Afghan refugees, returnees, and other conflict victims in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, including over $40 million to non-governmental organizations. The United States has contributed $105 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for its Afghan operations since September 2001. This contribution has enabled the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of over 2 million Afghan refugees since March 2002, while continuing to provide protection and assistance to over 2.5 million refugees remaining in neighboring countries.

The ultimate success of the massive Afghanistan repatriation program depends on the international community’s continued generous support for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and its international and non-governmental organization partners. We urge other donors to do their share and support humanitarian organizations undertaking crucial work to support Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons.