UNHCR opens largest carpet-weaving center in western Afghanistan
HERAT, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, inaugurated the largest carpet-weaving center in Herat province.
The opening took place in the presence of Indrika Ratwatte, deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, and local elders. The center initially provides job opportunities and skills training for 400 Afghan returnees, with more than three-quarters of them women.
The project aims to empower returnees and the host community. Rebuilding sustainable livelihoods, especially for women, addresses one of the primary needs of returnees from Iran.
UNHCR stated that more than 2 million Afghans returned from Iran to the country last year. The center is intended to help create economic opportunities for them.
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