Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, with the support of IOM, has launched a comprehensive database that will be used to record vital information on returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and related issues, such as land allocation.

The integration of a modern database system into the Ministry’s structure will also assist in improving information sharing, both internally as well as between the Ministry and its partners inside and outside of Afghanistan. Underscoring this commitment to international cooperation, Iran’s Ambassador to Afghanistan attended Sunday’s launch ceremony at the Ministry.

“This database will be a vital source of information, and will ultimately help to protect the rights of returning refugees, undocumented Afghans,  and IDPs, and help ensure they receive necessary humanitarian assistance and reintegration support,” said IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission Richard Danziger.

Work on the database began in 2014, following a joint technical capacity needs assessment. IOM and the Ministry worked in close partnership to develop the database, with IOM providing the necessary hardware and software for implementation.

Earlier this year, IOM developed the business process for collecting initial information from the four main border provinces of return. This will be followed by establishing the information management system in nine provinces of high return, where the focus will be on reintegration information.

Information tracked in the database will include the returns of documented and undocumented Afghans from Iran, Pakistan and other countries; the location and status of IDPs; and information on the allocation or construction of permanent shelters or townships for returnees, as well as livelihood opportunities.

“Having full and immediate access to comprehensive information on returnees, IDPs and land allocation will allow the Ministry and its partners to provide faster, better assistance to these vulnerable populations,” said Danziger, speaking at the launch.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation and IOM have been partners since 2002, providing direct assistance to vulnerable Afghan migrants and supporting efforts to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver services at both the headquarters and provincial levels. In May, IOM and the Ministry signed a new Memorandum of Understanding.

Initial funding support for this initiative was provided by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).

For further information, please contact Matthew Graydon at IOM Afghanistan, Tel. +93 794 100 546, Email: mgraydon@iom.int