Menu
02/09/2004
Afghanistan reaches refugee homecoming milestone
The one millionth Afghan refugee has returned home from Iran since the start of voluntary repatriation to their war-ravaged country in April 2002, the UN has reported.
The millionth return from Iran comes towards the end of a summer season that has seen a marked increase in the repatriation trend. In recent weeks, up to 4,000 Afghans a day have made the journey home.
If the current trend continues, UNHCR estimates that another 200,000 Afghans will have gone home by the time the voluntary repatriation programme is scheduled to end in March 2005.
More than 2.1 million Afghans have also returned home from Pakistan, the other major host country, since the start of the programme.
“Behind this figure there are one million individual stories, one million people who made the choice to go back, and are now rebuilding not just their own lives, but also their homeland," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers said.
"Many Afghan refugees in Iran are very educated, they have professional skills that are essential to the future of Afghanistan."
However, Mr Lubbers said he was concerned at the deterioration in the security situation in some regions of Afghanistan.
(gmcg/mb)
The millionth return from Iran comes towards the end of a summer season that has seen a marked increase in the repatriation trend. In recent weeks, up to 4,000 Afghans a day have made the journey home.
If the current trend continues, UNHCR estimates that another 200,000 Afghans will have gone home by the time the voluntary repatriation programme is scheduled to end in March 2005.
More than 2.1 million Afghans have also returned home from Pakistan, the other major host country, since the start of the programme.
“Behind this figure there are one million individual stories, one million people who made the choice to go back, and are now rebuilding not just their own lives, but also their homeland," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers said.
"Many Afghan refugees in Iran are very educated, they have professional skills that are essential to the future of Afghanistan."
However, Mr Lubbers said he was concerned at the deterioration in the security situation in some regions of Afghanistan.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 April 2003
Afghans’ deportation angers refugee groups
Refugee groups in the UK have denounced the enforced deportation of Afghan asylum seekers, the first since the fall of the Taliban regime. The Home Office has declined to provide details of the flight on which some 30 deportees are due to be escorted back to Afghanistan later today.
Afghans’ deportation angers refugee groups
Refugee groups in the UK have denounced the enforced deportation of Afghan asylum seekers, the first since the fall of the Taliban regime. The Home Office has declined to provide details of the flight on which some 30 deportees are due to be escorted back to Afghanistan later today.
16 March 2011
Summit Targets 'Get Home Safely' Campaign
As part of the long-running 'Get Home Safely' campaign, twelve Company magazine readers met with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to discuss their concerns. After a night walk to Number Ten Downing Street, the women spoke with David Cameron and Theresa May, highlighting that any cuts to the police service would be a big concern.
Summit Targets 'Get Home Safely' Campaign
As part of the long-running 'Get Home Safely' campaign, twelve Company magazine readers met with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to discuss their concerns. After a night walk to Number Ten Downing Street, the women spoke with David Cameron and Theresa May, highlighting that any cuts to the police service would be a big concern.
30 March 2009
Smith Apologises Over Adult Film Expenses
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been forced to apologise for trying to claim back the cost of the family's television package, which included two pornographic movies.
Smith Apologises Over Adult Film Expenses
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been forced to apologise for trying to claim back the cost of the family's television package, which included two pornographic movies.
23 May 2006
Reid criticises Home Office
Home Secretary John Reid has criticised the Home Office, claiming that the leadership and management systems have been "inadequate" and branding the immigration system as "not fit for purpose." Mr Reid made his comments to the Home Affairs select committee as he faced questions on immigration control.
Reid criticises Home Office
Home Secretary John Reid has criticised the Home Office, claiming that the leadership and management systems have been "inadequate" and branding the immigration system as "not fit for purpose." Mr Reid made his comments to the Home Affairs select committee as he faced questions on immigration control.
08 May 2006
Number of offenders rise in deportation cases
The number of offenders who committed serious offences after being released from prison without being considered for deportation is at least 150, new Home Secretary John Reid has revealed.
Number of offenders rise in deportation cases
The number of offenders who committed serious offences after being released from prison without being considered for deportation is at least 150, new Home Secretary John Reid has revealed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
