Learn about the UN Refugee Agency and Afghanistan
Afghanistan's dire refugee situation dates back more than 20 years. For decades ongoing war and violence has forced millions of families to flee their homes. But as peace and stability slowly return to this war-ravaged country, millions have now begun the journey home. Since 2002, more than 5 million Afghan refugees - mostly women and children - have returned to their homeland, most with the assistance of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Despite this massive return movement, many Afghan families remain in neighboring countries, making them one of the largest exiled groups in the world.
Khaled Hosseini, author and US Envoy for UNHCR
In 2006, the UN Refugee Agency proudly named Dr. Khaled Hosseini, author of the internationally best-selling novels The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, as its US Envoy. A former Afghan refugee himself, Khaled describes his work with refugees as "one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences" of his life. He recently traveled back to his homeland with the UNHCR and met with returning families in Afghanistan's northern provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Balkh, Parwan and Kabul.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Khaled about his recent trip:
In Afghanistan, the UN Refugee Agency's goal is to help refugees return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity to their country. Upon arrival in Afghanistan the agency works to provide shelter, protection, clean water and assistance to refugee families striving to rebuild their lives in their homeland.
The next few months will be especially challenging as returning refugee families seek shelter and support during the cold winter weeks. The UN Refugee Agency relies on the support of people like you to do its life saving work. Together we can give Afghan refugee families the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Please join us.
About the UN Refugee Agency
A humanitarian, non-political organization, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees around the world.
UNHCR provides protection, shelter, emergency food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to men, women, and children forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution.
In more than five decades, the agency - a two-time Nobel Peace Prize winner - has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of around 6,289 people in 111 countries continues to help 32.9 million persons.
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Afghanistan's dire refugee situation dates back more than 20 years. For decades ongoing war and violence has forced millions of families to flee their homes. But as peace and stability slowly return to this war-ravaged country, millions have now begun the journey home. Since 2002, more than 5 million Afghan refugees - mostly women and children - have returned to their homeland, most with the assistance of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Despite this massive return movement, many Afghan families remain in neighboring countries, making them one of the largest exiled groups in the world.
Khaled Hosseini, author and US Envoy for UNHCR
In 2006, the UN Refugee Agency proudly named Dr. Khaled Hosseini, author of the internationally best-selling novels The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, as its US Envoy. A former Afghan refugee himself, Khaled describes his work with refugees as "one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences" of his life. He recently traveled back to his homeland with the UNHCR and met with returning families in Afghanistan's northern provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Balkh, Parwan and Kabul.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Khaled about his recent trip:
In Afghanistan, the UN Refugee Agency's goal is to help refugees return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity to their country. Upon arrival in Afghanistan the agency works to provide shelter, protection, clean water and assistance to refugee families striving to rebuild their lives in their homeland.
The next few months will be especially challenging as returning refugee families seek shelter and support during the cold winter weeks. The UN Refugee Agency relies on the support of people like you to do its life saving work. Together we can give Afghan refugee families the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Please join us.
About the UN Refugee Agency
A humanitarian, non-political organization, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees around the world.
UNHCR provides protection, shelter, emergency food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to men, women, and children forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution.
In more than five decades, the agency - a two-time Nobel Peace Prize winner - has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of around 6,289 people in 111 countries continues to help 32.9 million persons.
Close this Window