Emergency WASH Response in the area of return in Kandahar ltpgtFor decades, Afghanistan has been at the epicenter of protracted displacement, resulting in one of the largest refugee populations worldwide due the political instability and sustained conflicts. The continuous instability in the region has led to repeated migrations. As of the middle of 2023, Afghan refugees were the second most populous group worldwide, with many findings refuge in neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan. In October 2023, Pakistan's mandate to expel all undocumented immigrants significantly impacted around 1.3 million undocumented Afghans, catalyzing their widespread return between September and December 2023. Amidst a pressing humanitarian emergency, this large-scale repatriation has raised alarms among humanitarian organizations and the global community about the need for sustained support to help these returnees reintegrate, particularly in light of Afghanistan's severe poverty, high unemployment rates, and limited availability of public services. ltbrgtBetween September 15 and December 2, 2023, there has been a significant surge of over 438,200 returnees, triggered by Pakistan's decree of repatriation of illegal foreigners. Massive inflows were experienced at border crossings, with 286,500 returnees in Torkham, Nangarhar, and 145,900 returnees in Spin Boldak, Kandahar. While the number of returnees has gradually decreased from the peak, it remains significantly higher than pre-September 15 levels. An additional 280,000 returnees are expected by July 2024 who would need to be supported to settle down at the place of destination. ltbrgtIn response to the influx of returnees from Pakistan, Mercy Corps proposes a life-saving intervention aimed at providing equitable and secure WASH assistance to returnees of all genders and diversities in the Daman and Kandahar districts. MC will sensitize the affected people including PWDs and will make sure they can safely access the WASH assistance in the proposed target locations. The project will cover approximately 14,000 individuals including 2,100 persons with disabilities, (women 2,520, girls 4,200, men 2,800 and boys 4,480) enhancing their access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Key strategies include: 1) Water Trucking: Ensuring immediate provision of potable water for a duration of 30 days until the water sources are rehabilitated 2) System Rehabilitation: Upgrading existing water supply system for sustained use 3) Hygiene Promotion: Conduct promotion sessions and distributing NFI/Hygiene Kits and 4) Constructing/Rehabilitating sanitation facilities. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, water user groups will be formed and trained to manage and maintain the water supply systems.ltbrgtThis nine-month project, spanning from 1 July 2024 to 31 March 2025, will allocate the initial three months to coordination, MoU signing, and community sensitization, while the concluding month will focus on project closure. Mercy Corps is prepared to commence certain interventions ahead of schedule, pending authorization from the provincial directorate while the MoU is being finalized in Kabul. ltbrgtCommunity-based activities and assessments are an integral part of the proposed project in Kandahar.  The proposed interventions are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the affected populations. By engaging community members, including persons with disabilities, in the planning, execution, and monitoring of WASH activities, Mercy Corps will foster ownership and sustainability of the project. This approach will also facilitate the identification of gaps and barriers, allowing for more effective and inclusive WASH solutions that contribute to the dignified return and reintegration of returnees into their communities. Mercy Corps has designed community-based activities such as Rehabilitation of existing water sources, and Water Trucking are benefiting the entire community as well as households-based activities such as Hygiene Kit/NFI and household Sanitation. ltbrgtlt/pgt