Psychosocial support for IDPs and returnees in Kabul, Nangarhar and Balkh (discontinued)

International Organization for Migration (IOM) statistics suggest that between 2012 and 2019 more than 3 million Afghans returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries and abroad. In the same period, more than 4 million people were internally displaced. Many of them live in informal settlements known for their cramped living conditions and lack of privacy, harboring an enormous potential for social conflict. Afghanistan is a culturally diverse country, and while people tend to build support networks based on family or at least tribal relations, families with different traditions and values are often forced to share facilities and vie for meager sources of income. Project activities include face-to-face Value Based Counseling, support groups, life-skill groups and raising awareness of mental health issues and psychosocial stressors.