IOM: Internally displaced rising amid increasing violence in Afghanistan

Amin Alemi
Press TV, Kabul

New figures from the International Organization for Migration show a sharp increase in internal displacement in Afghanistan in 2020. The IOM says that’s a turn for the worst after the drop in the number of displacements the previous year. The number of internally-displaced people in Afghanistan rose 16 percent to 5 million last year.

The IOM says 78 percent of these people have been forced from their homes due to war and insecurity.

The findings show 300,000 of the internally displaced are living in the open or in tent camps. Government bodies say they are planning to help these people return to their home towns.

The displaced, however, are criticizing the policies of the government and relevant international bodies. They say their needs are not being addressed.

The displaced say they will be able to return to their normal lives only if war ends. They want all warring sides, especially the Taliban, to respect civilian lives and stop fighting.

Afghanistan has seen no calm since the US-led invasion of the country in 2001. The US has pledged to completely withdraw its troops in months. But the Taliban doubt Washington’s intentions. They say the pullout should be complete before they start peace talks with the Afghan government.

Some regional and international players are trying to help bring the two sides together. War weary Afghans say they should work honestly with Afghans to help them restore peace in their country.

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