By: H.N
Afghanistan is a country that has experienced numerous ups and downs since its establishment. Afghans, as a Muslim nation, have remained dignified and patriotic throughout history. They have endured significant sacrifices in defense of Islamic values and safeguarding the honor and national sovereignty. Hospitality, integrity and bravery are among the noble qualities attributed to Afghans, consistently praised and admired globally.
The integrity, courage, and devoutness of the people of Afghanistan are of such magnitude that they have astonished the world, leading to various stories praising their virtues. Throughout history, the superpowers have consistently sought to occupy this land, yet each time they have been thwarted by the courage and bravery of this nation, failing to achieve their goals.
Afghanistan, once considered one of the most peaceful countries in the region, has tragically been transformed into a battleground and a hub of misery due to the relentless efforts of invaders. The enduring conflict over the past four decades, has resulted in the deaths, disabilities, and displacement of millions of Afghans.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations, seven million Afghans have migrated to other countries. Among them, three million reside in Pakistan, three million in Iran, and the remaining one million in regional and western countries, enduring bitter experiences and still grappling with the hardships of life.
During the last two decades of occupation, authorities have failed to create a conducive environment for the return of migrants to the country. Fundamental work that could have improved living conditions for Afghan migrants within the country has not been undertaken. Consequently, the issue of migrants has gradually become a marginal topic, with their problems not addressed adequately as needed.
Neighboring countries have consistently capitalized on the issue of Afghan migration, obtaining substantial funds from countries and aid organizations. Simultaneously, the governing systems in Afghanistan were also threatened and pressured. Ignoring the issue of migration provided an opportunity for certain countries, especially neighboring ones, to perpetrate all sorts of injustices against Afghan migrants. Thus, some were unjustly imprisoned, while others faced various restrictions, leading to harsh living conditions.
During their time in exile, Afghans not only faced economic challenges but also their credibility, social status, dignity and reputation were significantly tarnished. Gradually, the perspective of the world towards Afghans changed from positive into negative. Even in some cases, injustices against this innocent and defenseless nation increased as well.
During the twenty years of occupation, apart from a few showcase projects, no fundamental work was carried out to address the issues of Afghan migrants in neighboring, regional, and western countries. This situation persisted until the Islamic Emirate regained control over all provinces of Afghanistan, declaring its governance in the country.
Upon the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, neighboring countries irresponsibly decided to forcibly expel Afghan migrants. Eventually, on November 1, 2023, the process of forcibly deporting migrants from Pakistan and then from Iran commenced.
Considering the sensitivity and significance of this issue, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in an unprecedented and historical move, established the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues under the direct supervision of the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, through Decree No. 175 dated October 8, 2023. To better organize the affairs of this commission, a specific procedure was also developed and approved.
This commission was created aimed at managing this process effectively, meeting the basic needs, and addressing the problems of returnees.
Based on this decree, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, established 12 working committees within the structure of this commission, each chaired by a ministry and composed of relevant entities. Moreover, specific procedures were put in place for managing the operation of each committee.
Furthermore, to ensure and strengthen cooperation and coordination, alongside central committees, provincial committees were also established in the designated areas.
With the establishment of the commission and the convening of meetings under the chairmanship of the Deputy PM, the tasks of each committee were delineated. Afterwards, officials of the 12 committees were deployed to the targeted areas such as Turkham, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala, and other certain locations, and practical steps were taken to implement the decree, expedite humanitarian and technical assistance and address the problems of returnees.
The high-ranking officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, including the Deputies of the Prime Minister, cabinet members, and senior officials of the civil and military organizations, prioritized serving the need of returnees. Diligently and with sincere efforts, they not only traveled to the targeted areas, welcoming and reassuring the returnees, however, they also provided necessary resources and facilities to the 12 committees to promptly address the needs of returning migrants.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in addition to allocating a specific portion of the national budget for managing this process, endeavored to maintain proper coordination with the aid organizations as well as national traders to attract more technical and financial assistance.
In a coordinated effort, officials of the Islamic Emirate not only successfully implemented the decree of the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan but also efficiently managed this process, which could have turned into a national crisis, in a systematic and coherent manner.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations, during the solar year 1402, more than one and a half million migrants returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries.
The strategic move of the leadership and officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in managing the return process surprised neighboring countries and the global community. It significantly altered their perspective towards governance in Afghanistan. Additionally, this humane action received enormous appreciation from the Afghans nationwide. Moreover, the returnees also expressed full satisfaction with the service delivery, treatment, conduct of officials, and prompt resolution of their immediate problems.
The Islamic Emirate is not only committed to restoring and honoring the rights and dignity of returnees and resolving their issues in the short-run but also committed to taking practical and decisive steps, in accordance with specific plans, to ensure sustainable livelihoods, provide secure housing, and create job opportunities for returning migrants in the country.
Public welfare and working towards the advancement and prosperity of a country are among the commendable attributes of a good system, and the Islamic Emirate, as a responsible system, based on its policy and vision, has proven through prudent management the process of migrant return and alignment with economic and developmental programs, that it is committed to building a progressive, dignified, and self-sufficient Afghanistan. In addition, it aims to create conditions and facilities necessary for a better future and prosperous life for its citizens in the country. Afghanistan now possesses a system that must be honored, a system whose policy prioritize public welfare and economic self-sufficiency, a system that seeks to restore the dignity and credibility of its people, a system committed to defending the Islamic values and safeguarding the honor and national sovereignty, and a system that sincerely and resolutely strives for the advancement, prosperity, and dignity of the country called Afghanistan.
