U.S. to provide USD 39 million assistance for refugees returning to Afghanistan

The United States has announced to provide over USD 39 million to meet the extraordinary needs of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan. This brings the total U.S. contribution to the Afghan humanitarian response to more than $207 million since the beginning of FY 2016.

Since January, more than 3, 80,000 registered Afghan refugees have returned home.

This funding includes more than $19 million in support for the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees to help address the urgent needs of these vulnerable individuals, including by providing them with shelter, essential household items and supplies for winter.

The United States is also providing $20 million to the World Food Program's Afghanistan Emergency Operation targeting vulnerable returnees and refugees in eastern Afghanistan and people displaced by conflict.

This response to the World Food Program's recent special appeal for these populations represents enough to serve 5, 48,000 people for nine months.

These vulnerable people urgently need the international community's assistance and support in the coming winter months.

The U.S. has urged all countries to contribute to the remaining funds that are still needed for UN humanitarian appeals for Afghanistan.