CFAs: Permanent Shelter and Repairs of Shelters Implementation (Afghanistan)

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The UNHCR Shelter Initiative in Afghanistan supports the construction and repair of permanent shelters for refugee returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnee IDPs, and vulnerable host community members. The program focuses on climate-resilient, sustainable housing in designated Priority Areas of Return and Reintegration (PARRs) across multiple provinces, using a community-based participatory approach to prioritize the most vulnerable populations.

About the Initiative

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is implementing a shelter program to address the urgent housing needs of displaced populations and returnees in Afghanistan. The initiative targets both construction and reconstruction of permanent shelters, ensuring access to safe, resilient housing that meets humanitarian standards.

Program Objectives

• Provide sustainable shelter solutions for refugee returnees, IDPs, returnee IDPs, and vulnerable host community members

• Enhance shelters with climate-resilient features to withstand environmental and weather challenges

• Ensure equitable access through structured vulnerability assessments and community participation

• Strengthen local capacity for long-term housing stability and reintegration

Geographic Coverage

The program operates across multiple provinces, including:

• Western & Southern Provinces: Herat, Farah, Nimroz, Kandahar, Paktika

• Central & Eastern Provinces: Kabul, Nangarhar, Logar, Laghman, Kunar

• Northern Provinces: Bamyan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Balkh, Jowzjan

Target Beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries include:

• Refugee returnees

• Internally displaced persons (IDPs)

• Returnee IDPs

• Vulnerable members of host communities

Secondary beneficiaries may be considered where:

• Shelter gaps exist

• Vulnerability scores indicate high need

• Land access and environmental feasibility allow implementation

Selection and Assessment Process

• Community-Based Approach: Beneficiary identification involves participatory consultation

• Vulnerability Scoring: Families are ranked according to defined vulnerability criteria

• Advisory Committee Review: A beneficiary advisory committee validates assessment results to ensure fair prioritization

• Climate Resilience: Shelter upgrades include environmental and disaster-resilient features

Expected Outcomes

By 2027, the initiative aims to:

• Provide permanent, sustainable shelter to forcibly displaced persons, returnees, stateless individuals, and vulnerable host communities

• Improve access to essential services for IDPs, refugees, and returnees

• Support durable, climate-resilient housing solutions that contribute to long-term stability and reintegration

• Prioritize women, girls, and other vulnerable groups in shelter allocation

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants implementing projects under this program must:

• Demonstrate the ability to operate in UNHCR-designated PARRs

• Apply community-based participatory approaches for beneficiary selection

• Ensure that interventions are feasible considering land access, environmental conditions, and local context

How the Program Works

1. Identify eligible beneficiaries based on vulnerability and shelter gaps

2. Conduct community consultations to validate needs and prioritize households

3. Assess feasibility considering land, geographic, and environmental conditions

4. Implement shelter construction or repair, including climate-resilient enhancements

5. Review outcomes to ensure sustainability, safety, and integration of beneficiaries

FAQ

1. Who are the target beneficiaries? Refugee returnees, IDPs, returnee IDPs, and vulnerable host community members.
2. Which provinces are covered? Herat, Farah, Nimroz, Kandahar, Paktika, Kabul, Nangarhar, Logar, Laghman, Kunar, Bamyan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Balkh, and Jowzjan.
3. What type of shelters are funded? Permanent, climate-resilient shelters and repairs to existing housing.
4. How are beneficiaries selected? Through a vulnerability scoring system and community-based participatory approach validated by an advisory committee.
5. Are climate-resilient features required? Yes, all new or repaired shelters must include climate-resilient enhancements.
6. Can populations outside PARRs be supported? Yes, where shelter gaps, vulnerability, and implementation feasibility justify it.
7. What is the expected impact? Improved safety, dignity, access to services, and long-term reintegration for vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Permanent Shelter Initiative in Afghanistan ensures that displaced and vulnerable populations can access safe, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing. By combining community-based approaches, structured vulnerability assessments, and participatory planning, the program promotes long-term stability, dignity, and reintegration while addressing the urgent shelter needs of returnees and host communities.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.