Editorial: Returning refugees need help urgently

Kabul and some other central provinces have seen heavy snow and cold weather in the past few days. According to the weather forecasts, Kabul has experienced temperatures of minus 17 degrees Celsius. In these conditions, people who have returned from foreign countries and are now living in tents or ruined buildings are in need of urgent assistance. Last year, dozens of children lost their lives in Ghor, Badakhshan, Kabul and Herat provinces because of inadequate shelters and other facilities. Returned refugees in Kabul currently face many economic and other challenges including the lack of proper shelters and employment. All these problems present a threat to their lives this winter. There are still no figures showing how many returning refugees have lost their lives during the cold weather. But the Afghan parliament should make it a priority to address the challenges and problems facing the returnees. If the weather gets colder, the problems will increase and it will then be very difficult to resolve them. As catastrophe looms, all national and international organisations should work with the government on immediate action to prevent tragedy.