Shuhada’s Story

Roqia, a 30-year-old Afghan woman, was born in Iran and spent the last eight years in Pakistan after leaving Afghanistan with her four brothers and sister. In Pakistan, she and her brothers worked in carpet weaving to support themselves. Recently, the family returned to Afghanistan, hoping to rebuild their lives.

“We spent eight years in Pakistan and have just come back to Afghanistan. Right now we have no shelter, no household items, no work – we have nothing.”

They are currently staying with neighbors in Kabul, but the situation is temporary and uncertain. With winter approaching, their most urgent needs are shelter, heating, and basic household items.

“This is our first winter here. We need a heater and we need fuel. It’s very difficult, as we have just arrived.”

At the Kabul Encashment Centre, Roqia and her family received 11,500 Afghanis (about $163) per person in cash assistance from UNHCR. It’s a vital first step toward stability. “We’ll spend that money on renting a house and buying household items, as we have nothing right now.”

Roqia is also concerned about the lack of job opportunities and the uncertainty of starting over. “There should be work to have a good life. A person should be able to live in peace. We need security in Kabul to live peacefully.”

Despite the challenges, Roqia remains hopeful that with support, her family can find stability and dignity in their return.