A joyous reunion
TORKHAM BORDER, NANGARHAR, AFGHANISTAN – For many families, migration can offer hope for new economic opportunities. In Afghanistan, some parents even encourage or assist their children to migrate to earn money, even knowing the risks. But when children migrate alone, without family or guardians, it can expose them to harmful care situations,…, Undocumented across borders, “I talked to a smuggler, who promised to help me cross the Iran-Pakistan border if I paid,” he said. “I walked for many hours in the desert and slept in crowded and dirty places. I met other children in my situation, and some of them were sick, injured, or got lost.” He was scared and lonely, but several weeks later, he eventually arrived in Iran…, Respite at the UNICEF Drop-In Centre, Again, Matiullah braved the elements to walk for days. He entered Afghanistan from Iran, then crossed the country and tried to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan’s eastern Torkham border. “I had to avoid many checkpoints and mines. I didn’t have food or water or shelter.” But Matiullah could not re-enter Pakistan because he did not have…, Clean clothes and a hot meal, He followed the signs and found a bright, welcoming place where he met other children with similar stories. At the centre, UNICEF’s partner – the High Afghanistan Rehabilitation Organization (HARO) – gave Matiullah food, clean clothes, and a safe, comfortable place to sleep. He spent the next few days playing games and sports with the two other…, A family reunited, While Matiullah rested, UNICEF’s partner HARO was hard at work. Matiullah was registered as an unaccompanied minor. Social workers used their networks to trace his family members living in Afghanistan. Social workers discovered Matiullah’s aunt and uncle were living in Kabul, about four hours away. They called his family, verified their relation…
Afghanistan
