[{"bbox": [82, 134, 1147, 311], "category": "Text", "text": "The Governments of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan had previously engaged in extensive dialogue around the issue of refugees through the existing quadripartite and tripartite mechanisms. It is unclear which shape cooperation will take with the Taliban in power. Nevertheless, having hosted millions of Afghan refugees for four decades, Iran and Pakistan are calling for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing and concrete actions. The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences have also exacerbated the situation, with an increased request for more burden-sharing as a consequence."}, {"bbox": [82, 336, 1147, 599], "category": "Text", "text": "Iran has been particularly vocal in requesting that the international community contributes to providing support to Afghan refugees in the country. Iran's economy suffers from the negative impact of the US imposed sanctions since 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic, which are affecting the most vulnerable Afghans and Iranians alike. Despite the challenging geopolitical situation around Iran, the Government has so far adopted and implemented commendable inclusive social protection policies, providing Afghans access to national service structures, in particular in relation to health and education. However, the Government has also significantly increased deportations of undocumented Afghans and engaged in violent measures to halt or push back Afghans at the border. There is also significant social tension between the local population and Afghans, especially among the youth."}, {"bbox": [82, 609, 1147, 959], "category": "Text", "text": "In **Pakistan**, the situation for Afghan refugees remains complex despite recent openings introduced by the Government, such as the possibility to open bank accounts and the documentation exercise launched in April 2021. Push and pull factors in Pakistan and Afghanistan respectively are likely to influence the return and mobility trends. As such, the situation remains fluid and actual return figures will not only depend on the solutions component of the strategy in Afghanistan, but also on the protection space and solutions in Pakistan. Forced returns to Afghanistan have occurred in the past, even at large scale, which are combined with complex circular flows, even for registered refugees. The building of the border fence (currently completed at 90%) may change some of the dynamics. In addition, the socio-economic, political, humanitarian, human rights and security situation in Pakistan will remain complex, volatile and unpredictable. Security-focused discourse on the presence of Afghans is often used for political purpose. Maintaining both a development and humanitarian perspective on the issue of refugees will remain a challenge."}, {"bbox": [82, 968, 1147, 1318], "category": "Text", "text": "**Central Asian** governments differ in their approach to the developing situation: Uzbekistan closed its borders while Tajikistan declared its willingness to accommodate 100 000 refugees. At the end of 2020, Tajikistan hosted 5 581 refugees and 408 asylum seekers from Afghanistan. These figures are likely to increase and according to UNHCR, there were more than 5 000 Afghan asylum seekers between January and April 2021. Afghan migrants with ethnic linkages to Central Asian countries usually entered the region with tourist and work visas and faced comparatively few obstacles to integrate themselves socially and economically. Lacking additional assistance, a sudden increase in numbers is likely to overburden host communities. Security concerns due to linkages between the Taliban and islamist insurgents in Central Asia might lead to an increase in border security measures and even border closure, making it impossible for Afghans to access these countries. This might partially explain why Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have started limiting the number of visas to Afghanistan nationals, with the consulate officials of Uzbekistan confirming that the issuance of tourist visas to Afghan citizens has been suspended."}, {"bbox": [82, 1329, 1147, 1590], "category": "Text", "text": "In **Afghanistan**, the military defeat of the Afghan government has created a situation of political uncertainty. The Taliban have signalled their intention to maintain government functions and engage with the international community. However, lack of foreign funding and government expertise, in addition to an uncertain legal status of the Taliban government, might considerably limit their ability to address many of the country's problems. Internal divisions (e.g. with the Haqqani network) and conflicts with other insurgent groups (Islamic State-Khorasan) might further destabilise the situation. One must therefore expect an end of public sector investments and a strong weakening of service delivery. Unemployment, the lack of development, and minimal private sector investments are expected to contribute to the growth of the illicit economy."}, {"bbox": [1051, 1663, 1158, 1687], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 6 of 25"}]