The above table points to Afghanistan’s problems. It fares poorly on most socio-economic measures. That is in part due to the legacy of a conflict that has dragged on in one form or another since 1975. Even during the brief respite from war, Afghanistan then had to endure the Taliban regime, perhaps the most barbaric regime since Pol Pot’s reign in Cambodia.
Afghani Refugees
Since 1978, 3.7 million Afghans have sought refuge in neighboring countries (2 million currently live in Pakistan and 1.5 million in Iran), while at least 900,000 were displaced from their homes within Afghanistan before September 11. An estimated 30,000 refugees live in India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other countries. Even before the current refugee movement, the neighboring governments were showing impatience with the large, intractable refugee populations in their countries. Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have closed their borders though many still trickle in through the numerous mountain passes.
The “Lucky” Ones in Pakistan
Inside Afghanistan, millions of Afghans rely on international food aid for survival. The economy, ruined by years of civil strife and Taliban rule, suffered a further blow when the worst drought in 30 years caused crop failures that led hundreds of thousands of Afghans to leave their homes in search of food beginning in June 2000.
International Refugee Organization
The World Refugee Survey 2008 was released on 19 June 2008. This year’s Survey offers 60 country updates and also highlights ten of the worst violators of refugees’ rights. Also in this year’s Survey are examples of people speaking out on behalf of refugees in countries from Thailand to Turkey, and detailed statistics on refugees around the world. Read it online at International Refugee Organization