STORY: Return of security to Afghanistan inspires refugees to come home
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 4, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:28
LOCATION: Kabul
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the temporary makeshift camp of returnees in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): MIR HAMZA, Afghan refugee returnee
3. various of the temporary makeshift camp of returnees in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): MOHAMMAD JAN NOORI, Afghan refugee returnee
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Pashto): ABDUL MUTALIB HAQQANI, Spokesman for Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation

STORYLINE:

Surrounded by children playing on a dusty patch of ground at a makeshift camp on the outskirts of Kabul, recently-returned refugee Mir Hamza spoke joyously of his decision to come back to Afghanistan. 

Hamza said that the restoration of security inspired him to return to his homeland.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): MIR HAMZA, Afghan refugee returnee
"I am so happy that I cannot even express my feelings. This is my country, and I can move around freely, day and night, without fear. No one disturbs me. I need assistance to construct a house and start fresh. I had a home in Kunduz, but it was destroyed during the war. I need land to build a house, and I need food and clothing."

Decades of war and civil strife have forced millions of Afghans to flee their homeland, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. While reports indicate that approximately 1.8 million Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland over the past year, an estimated 7 million Afghans remain abroad.

Mohammad Jan Noori lived in Iran for years and returned to Afghanistan recently. He also expressed satisfaction with the improved security in Afghanistan. 

SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): MOHAMMAD JAN NOORI, Afghan refugee returnee
"Afghanistan is now a peaceful country. There is no war. I can live my life peacefully. I am overjoyed to be back. I was given 27,000 afghani (about 400 U.S. dollars) when I crossed the border in Herat. But after paying for transportation and food, I only have 7,000 afghani (about 103 dollars) left."

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by returnees, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said that between 300 and 350 Afghan refugees return daily from Pakistan and Iran. In coordination with aid organizations, the Afghan government provides returnees with cash assistance and winter kits.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Pashto): ABDUL MUTALIB HAQQANI, Spokesman for Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation
"We have established 45 townships in 28 provinces to accommodate returnees. We call on aid agencies to help construct houses, clinics, and schools in these townships. We also encourage Afghan refugees who are abroad to come back, as the country is now safe and peaceful."

Despite the challenges of rebuilding, the hope brought by peace is encouraging many Afghans to reclaim their lives in their homeland.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kabul.
(XHTV)