The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) of the United States has announced a commitment of $75 million to fund development projects in Afghanistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.
This assistance, as stated on their official page on Saturday, June 29, will be directed through USAID offices in Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad, and Kandahar. SIGAR aims to support projects that promote employment opportunities in agriculture, enhance agricultural productivity, and support women in the agricultural sector.
Recently, heavy rains have caused significant financial losses and damage to agricultural lands in several provinces of Afghanistan. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately ten thousand hectares of agricultural land have been affected by floods in recent months.
Afghanistan is among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries and faces devastating floods and droughts. The recent floods have exacerbated the country’s dire economic and agricultural situation, compounding the challenges already posed by ongoing conflict and political instability.
Amid these challenges, there is a worsening situation for Afghan refugees who are facing forced deportations from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistan, in particular, has been increasing pressure on Afghan refugees to return, citing security concerns and economic strain. This has led to a surge in deportations, often placing returning refugees in precarious situations where they lack basic resources and face uncertain futures.
Similarly, Iran has also been deporting Afghan refugees despite longstanding international conventions that advocate for the protection of refugees. Reports indicate that many deportees face harsh conditions upon their return to Afghanistan, including a lack of shelter, food, and access to essential services.
This mass deportation exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, straining the country’s already fragile infrastructure and social services.
The forced deportations from Pakistan and Iran not only violate international humanitarian principles but also contribute to instability in Afghanistan.
With limited resources to support returning refugees and ongoing challenges in agriculture and infrastructure due to climate-related disasters, Afghanistan faces a complex humanitarian crisis that requires coordinated international assistance and support.
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