At the Islam Qala border in Herat, Afghanistan, the harsh climate creates challenging conditions for families who have just returned home after years in exile. The temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with dust-laden winds making the environment uncomfortable. Over four million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023, with nearly 1.5 million returning in 2025 alone. Concurrently, approximately 350,000 Afghans were displaced within the first four months of 2025 due to worsening economic conditions and climate change impacts. As many returnees, including Maryam, a widow with two children, face significant challenges such as unemployment and inadequate support, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has initiated skills training for nearly 3,000 individuals and supported over 2,600 businesses to promote economic stability. However, much more support is required to ensure that these individuals can rebuild their lives successfully.
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