Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, the Minister of Economy, has declared that addressing the challenges faced by returnees is a top priority for the Ministry of Economy.
In a recent press release from the Ministry, the Minister highlighted this priority during a meeting with Callahan, the Country Director of Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
During their discussion, they covered key topics such as the continuation of humanitarian assistance, effective responses to livelihood challenges, and the development of essential facilities for returnees. Comprehensive information was shared on CRS’s humanitarian initiatives, focusing on agriculture and livestock support, cash assistance distribution, and assistance for small enterprises in the provinces of Mazar-e-Sharif and Kunduz.
The Minister expressed his support for the expansion of CRS activities into other provinces, emphasizing the need for ongoing humanitarian efforts while urging a greater focus on development projects. He called for enhanced transparency in program implementation and balanced development in their initiatives.
“Addressing the problems faced by returnees remains one of our top priorities,” the Minister stated. Currently, 34 residential townships have been allocated for returnees across 25 provinces, but these areas urgently require public infrastructure, including access to potable water, shelter construction, healthcare facilities, schools, and other essential social services.
Furthermore, he emphasized that partner organizations should prioritize the construction of public facilities within returnee residential areas and create job opportunities through vocational training and employment-generating projects to improve the livelihoods and economic conditions of those in need.
