UNHCR launches largest carpet-weaving centre in western Afghanistan

The UNHCR, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, on Wednesday inaugurated the largest carpet-weaving center in western Afghanistan’s Herat province.

The initiative, attended by UN Deputy Special Representative Indrika Ratwatte and local community leaders, will support 400 returnees, with more than three-quarters of them women, providing livelihoods and skills training.

The centre aims to empower returnees and host communities, helping them rebuild sustainable livelihoods, a priority need identified by Afghans returning from Iran.

Over the past year, some 2 million Afghans have returned from Iran, highlighting the urgent need for economic opportunities, especially for women, said UNHCR.