The revised decree is not finalized yet however it was said by one in this study that there might only be very small changes from this point, if there are any at all. The revision should avoid the misallocation of land and the misuse of land as an incentive or “pull factor” to encourage refugees to return to Afghanistan. To avoid a worsening situation, the revised decree should ensure that only landless returnees are included. Land issues will become an increasing challenge for the Afghan government and for the reintegration of returnees in the coming years. The response of the Afghan government to landless returnees has not addressed the problem adequately, and thus the number of landless returnees and the challenges they face with reintegration are growing. The report is based on the author’s own experiences as a resident of Nangarhar Province, supplemented by fieldwork in Nangarhar from Oct. This report gives voice to returnees who explain the importance of land from their perspective. In Nangarhar, it is nearly impossible to have status at the neighborhood level, to find work, or to become socially respected without owning land. The Land Allocation Scheme and Presidential Decree No.104 (rev.) define the land application processes, selection of beneficiaries, and prioritize the neediest among landless returnees.

Land ownership is the main pillar of the Afghan government’s official reintegration strategy. It explores the returnees’ experience of reintegration back into their home country and focuses on their access to land. This case report explores the challenges faced by Afghan refugees who have returned from Pakistan to Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan, including the city of Jalalabad and its neighboring townships and districts. For more information on challenges with power imbalances between aid organizations, host populations, and returnees, readers are referred to the author’s Humanitarian Policy Group Working Paper, “ Dignity among the displaced in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.” Introduction To reach a wider audience, this RIT report is available in English and in Pashto.

Jalalabad afghanistan map arma 3