Interpretation of Data as of 31 May 2012
This report on Conflict-Induced Internally Displaced Persons in Afghanistan is a collation of information on conflict-induced internal displacement as of 31 May 2012. This complements the monthly data updates produced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Internal Displacement due to conflict. UNHCR plans to publish these reports at regular intervals, as the data on conflict induced Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) evolves with the changing context in the country. In light of reports indicating an increased trend in conflict induced displacement, UNHCR conducted a review of displacement trends, concerns and figures of IDPs through its field offices. The initial outcomes indicated the need for updated data, in order to improve the operational planning and response mechanisms. A profiling/ data cleaning exercise was thus launched in late 2011, and was concluded on 31 May 2012. Armed conflict and general insecurity have led to conflict-induced internal displacements across the country in the last 30 years. However, since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, a significant increase in internal displacement has been witnessed in the last few years. The Southern, Eastern and the Western regions are primarily affected and continue to produce the majority of conflict-induced internal displacement cases in Afghanistan. In recent years, the relatively less insecure Northern and Central regions have also recorded internal displacement due to the conflict.