U.N.: 3 million Afghans refugees return

[United Press International]

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 7 (UPI) -- The U.N. High
Commissioner for Refugees said Friday it has helped more than 3
million Afghans return to their homes from Iran and Pakistan.
More than 2 million people were repatriated from Pakistan
and another 700,000 from Iran, while 440,000 more who had been
displaced within Afghanistan have been helped, said UNHCR spokesman
Peter Kessler in Geneva. It starting helping them return home in
early 2002, following the major fighting in Afghanistan.
Returning refugees were given a grant ranging from $3 to $30
per person to cover the costs of transportation, plus $8 apiece in
place of food aid and other items that were provided to returning
refugees.
"Many Afghans have obviously decided that improving
conditions in many parts of their homeland make repatriation
feasible," the spokesman said. "While some parts of the country are
still facing security problems, others are reporting improved
security and expanding economic opportunities."
UNHCR earlier this week opened seven dispute settlement
committees in various cities throughout Iran to help in the return
of Afghan refugees from who may be facing outstanding legal
disputes, such as as non-payment of salary or refusal to return
rental deposit, he said.