In Herat, in collaboration with the Afghan Red Crescent Society and the Danish Red Cross, nearly 600 returning refugee families have been provided with small business tools and health kits. These families have returned from Pakistan and Iran.
Officials say that, among these, 60 families in particular received work equipment worth 30,000 Afghanis per family so they can generate income for their households and meet basic living needs.
Abdul Majid Khadimi, financial and administrative manager of the Western Zone of the Red Crescent Society, said: “The Herat Assistance Western Zone Directorate has purchased equipment and supplies worth more than 2 million Afghanis for those 60 families returning from Pakistan and Iran, so they can start small businesses and meet their household needs.”
Feroz Tani, representative of the Danish Red Cross in Afghanistan, said: “This year, the Danish Red Cross, in collaboration with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, plans a program in various provinces to provide business equipment for 1,300 poor families recently returned from Iran and Pakistan.”
The returning refugees said that although they have skills in various trades, they returned empty-handed and lacked tools due to economic difficulties. They add that with the provided equipment, they can now earn income for their families and restore normalcy to their lives.
Muhammad Hussain, returned from Pakistan, said: “I have a skill in mobile phone repair, but I did not have the tools. I thank the Red Crescent Society for providing these tools. I want to open a shop and start work using them.”
Wali Khan, also returned from Pakistan, said: “I have returned from Pakistan and had been unemployed for a long time. Now the Red Crescent Society is providing me with tools for motorcycle and grain transport repair. I am very grateful.”
Abdullah, another returnee, said: “I thank the Red Crescent Society for providing health supplies. We expect them to also help people find employment opportunities.”
This comes as lack of shelter, work, income, and basic services remains a serious problem for these returning families. Emphasis is made that, alongside aid, returning refugees should also be provided with opportunities for work.
