Afghan Refugees Brace For Repatriation

Afghan citizens who have had to leave their home country since the Soviet invasion in 1979 represent the largest group of refugees in the world. A recent “in pictures” feature from the BBC tells the story of these families, many of whom—those living in Pakistan—are now being required to return to Afghanistan despite possible security fears. The BBC article concerns a particular camp in northwest Pakistan that has officially been closed by a joint decision made by the Pakistani and Afghan governments and the UN, yet still retains the majority of its original refugees, as most are reticent to uproot themselves and return home. The BBC touches on a number of obstacles the refugees may face as they re-enter Afghanistan; for one, they may encounter an increased cost of basic materials. Families who make their livelihood off of carpets, for example, may find that the materials necessary for production cost too much when they reach Afghanistan. Another concern is that people who were on the losing side of past political clashes will face repercussions today. Additionally, after having spent so long in Pakistan, many returnees lack the extended family ties that are so essential to Afghan family life. Finally, many girls who were attending school in the refugee camp in Pakistan will be unable to complete their education in Afghanistan due to cultural pressures and lack of resources.

It is this final issue that most connects to one of our projects here at Barakat—our girls’ and women’s literacy programs in northwest Afghanistan. The curriculum offered, developed by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Education, consists of twelve different subjects, including Pashto and Dari (Afghanistan’s national languages), math, and writing. All ages of girls and women (and, in some of the most under-served communities, boys) can attend and gain crucial basic educational knowledge. In many of these areas there is a strong societal taboo against educating women and without the literacy schools, these students would probably be unable to access classes.

Go ahead and take a look at the BBC photo-essay linked above—it’s very interesting and poses many questions about the complexities of large-scale refugee repatriation and the effect politics can have on everyday people’s lives. It is important to make sure that if these people must be forced to relocate themselves, there is at least sufficient assistance to help them re-establish their families and gain access to the resources to which they should be entitled.