Italy Contributes EUR 2 Million to Support Returnees and Vulnerable Host Communities in Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN – The Government of Italy, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, has contributed EUR 2 million to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in support of returnees and vulnerable members of host communities in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan continues to experience large-scale returns, with over 2 million individuals returning so far in 2025. Many of those returning face limited access to livelihoods, shelter, and essential services in areas already under pressure. This contribution comes at a critical time, as humanitarian partners work to strengthen reintegration support and promote stability in communities affected by displacement.

The project, titled “Support for Returnees and Vulnerable Host Communities in Return Areas of Afghanistan,” will assist more than 20,000 individuals, including over 11,000 women and girls. The initiative aims to foster social cohesion, strengthen livelihoods, and promote peaceful coexistence between returnees and their host communities.

Through this contribution, UNHCR will strengthen ongoing reintegration efforts across Afghanistan providing practical support and livelihood opportunities to returnees and vulnerable Afghans. The project will contribute to UNHCR’s broader strategy to help returnees rebuild their lives and promote social cohesion in areas affected by displacement. It focuses on three key outcomes: ensuring that returnees from Pakistan and Iran are able to return home with dignity and meet their basic needs; providing specialised services for vulnerable returnees and host communities, particularly women and girls; and strengthening the participation of women and girls in skills training and income-generating activities. Under these outcomes, the project will deliver literacy and digital literacy training, psychosocial counselling, awareness workshops, and technical and vocational training to enhance employment opportunities.

Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative said: “Supporting returnees and vulnerable host communities is not only a humanitarian priority, it’s an investment in Afghanistan’s future. Women and girls, in particular, will benefit from skills and opportunities that promote inclusion and economic independence.”

These interventions will be implemented in return areas across Afghanistan, where thousands of families are trying to start anew. By providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and community inclusion, the project will help returnees and vulnerable Afghans rebuild their futures with dignity and hope, while fostering social cohesion and long-term stability.

For more information, please contact:

Charlie Goodlake, Senior External Relations Officer

[email protected]