CERF-funded Project

Afghanistan

Emergency Protection Assistance for Vulnerable Returning Undocumented Afghans and IDPs in Afghanistan (21-UF-IOM-018)

Project overview

Through this CERF UFE contribution, IOM Protection Screeners in Nimroz and Herat border points screened 32,976 undocumented returnees for protection risks. These individuals received information to support their registration process and mitigate risks of COVID-19, as well as referrals to medical and MHPSS services as required. 9,489 undocumented returnees had specific needs and received post arrival assistance, including transportation from borders to transit centres, overnight accommodation, hot meals, basic medical screening and health services, basic household items, WFP food packages and referrals to partners for follow up assistance. Amongst the cases assisted there were special cases that required particular attention and tailored support (i.e., deceased migrants, individuals who were incarcerated in Iran, families/individuals facing extreme poverty and wounded cases). IOM interviewed 10,846 undocumented returnees and IDPs and conducted 1,755 direct observations using the Afghanistan Protection Cluster tools for Protection Monitoring. CERF contributed to reach 2,713 undocumented returnees and IDPs and 440 through direct observations. CERF supported IOM produced four quarterly Protection Monitoring reports and four Protection Advocacy Briefs that were circulated to protection actors, key stakeholders, and trusted partners. Through the CERF funding IOM conducted four trainings covering general protection and protection monitoring to 77 IOM staff and partners. Out of the total, 41 were women and 36 were men. 94% of participants said they have increased their knowledge on protection following the trainings.