OVERVIEW
Wakil Ahmad, a 38-year-old returnee and head of a six-member household in Qala-e-Naw, Badghis Province, faced severe protection risks following deportation from Iran in February 2025. His family had migrated in search of livelihood opportunities but was forcibly returned due to lack of legal documentation. Upon return, they settled in a rented house in central Badghis under extremely vulnerable conditions. At the time, Wakil’s wife was pregnant and unable to access medical care, resulting in serious postnatal complications that left her bedridden. With no stable income, Wakil resorted to selling household items and skipping meals to feed his children. The children themselves were out of school due to lack of supplies, exposing them to risks such as child labor and early marriage.
The family’s situation reflected overlapping vulnerabilities (extreme food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, inadequate shelter, disrupted education, and protection risks for children and the chronically ill mother). Immediate multi-sectoral support was essential to prevent further deterioration of their well-being.
UNHCR PROTECTION CASE MANAGEMENT (PCM) DOCUMENTS PROGRAMME – BADGHIS PROVINCE
Under UNHCR’s Protection Case Management Programme, implemented through its partner ARAA, Wakil Ahmad’s family was identified during a community-level needs assessment in Qala-e-Naw. The PCM programme in Badghis aims to support vulnerable returnees and displaced families through integrated protection services, including legal counseling, cash assistance, and referrals to health and education services. Wakil’s case was flagged due to the severity of his family’s situation and the urgent need for coordinated intervention.
APPROACH
Following the assessment, Wakil Ahmad received a one-time cash grant of AFN 20,500 through UNHCR and ARAA. This assistance was tailored to address the family’s most pressing needs:
- Food and clothing for the children
- Medical treatment for his wife’s postnatal complications
- Re-enrollment of children in school, including provision of supplies
- Initiation of a small-scale livelihood activity to generate sustainable income
The intervention was designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to reduce long-term protection risks and strengthen the household’s resilience. Wakil was supported in making informed decisions about how to allocate the funds, ensuring that the assistance translated into tangible improvements in health, education, and economic stability.
SUMMARY
Wakil Ahmad’s case illustrates the transformative potential of UNHCR’s integrated Protection Case Management approach. Through timely cash assistance and coordinated support, the family transitioned from acute vulnerability to a path of recovery and dignity. This case underscores the importance of lifecycle programming—assessment, response, and follow-up—as a holistic protection strategy. It also highlights the critical role of community-based identification and tailored support in addressing the complex needs of returnee families in under-resourced provinces like Badghis.
Provided by
Sayed Edris Hosaini
