Brazil launches humanitarian program to resettle Afghan refugees
Brazil has introduced a new humanitarian initiative, “Refugees with Civil Society Support,” aimed at resettling Afghan refugees with assistance from local organizations and the UNHCR, news reports said. The program officially began on May 1, when 18 Afghan refugees—four families including women and children—arrived in São Paulo from Pakistan.
A collaboration between the Brazilian government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the initiative is designed to provide shelter, legal support, and social integration. The NGO “Refúgio” will oversee the settlement of up to 500 refugees by 2025, with additional support from organizations like Instituto Estor Refugiado and Mission Support for Persecuted Churches.
Accredited institutions can assist refugees in obtaining humanitarian visas and facilitate their integration into Brazilian society. UNHCR representative David Turzilli praised the program as a model of civil society involvement, stressing the need for continued financial backing.
Since 2020, Brazil has issued over 13,000 humanitarian visas to Afghans, reflecting its ongoing commitment amid a worsening crisis in Afghanistan. As global resettlement capacity declines—from 195,000 in 2024 to a projected 31,000 in 2025—Brazil’s program offers a vital lifeline for displaced Afghans and underscores the importance of international cooperation.
