KABUL: The European Union has announced a contribution of 10 million euros to UNICEF for the protection of Afghan children who are returning or migrating. According to a statement from the EU on Sunday, this funding marks the beginning of the third phase of the “Afghan Children on the Move” program, bringing the total EU investment since 2018 to 38 million euros. Over the next three years, the program will focus on providing immediate care for unaccompanied children at borders, supporting education and health services in 12 provinces, and assisting the reintegration and strengthening the resilience of over 180,000 children and families. The increase in returnees from Pakistan and Iran has put significant pressure on support services for children. The EU has warned that unaccompanied children are at risk of violence, exploitation, and neglect. Eric Bäum, Head of EU Cooperation in Afghanistan, stated that this funding is part of the EU’s commitment to support migrants and ensure their access to essential services. Dr. Tajuddeen Oyewale, UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, added that over two million refugees, including half a million children, have returned from neighboring countries this year, and every child has the right to protection, care, and opportunities for growth. Since 2018, tens of thousands of children have benefited from essential services. In 2024, nearly 14,000 unaccompanied or separated children returning from Iran and Pakistan received assistance, with 9,000 of them supported directly through EU and UNICEF cooperation.
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