Analysis of Migration Patterns in Afghanistan

abbreviation of Migration Patterns in AfghanistanMigration in Afghanistan1. IntroductionAfghanistan is home to the largest refugee crises experienced since the inception of the UNHCR. Decades of war get hold of direct one million millions to aviate their homes and seek refuge in the neighboring countries of Pakistan and Iran, and for those who were able, further abroad. The bend of refugees spiked in 1990 at 6.2 million. They began to abate in 1992 with the peg of the government, but began to increase again in 1996 with the rise of the Taliban. In 2002, with the fall of the Taliban and the US-led invasion, show numbers of Afghan refugees descended to Afghanistan. An multinationalist reconstruction and evolution initiative began to aid Afghans in rebuilding their res publica from decades of war.Reports indicate that change is occurring in Afghanistan, but the progress is slow. The Taliban book regained strength in the second half(a) of this decade and insurgency and instability ar rising. Afghanistan addresss to be challenged by underdevelopment, lack of infrastructure, few employment opportunities, and general poverty. The slow pace of change has led Afghans to continue migrating in order to meet the call for of their families. now refugee expirements no longer characterize the primary source of Afghan migration. Migration in search of livelihoods is the primary discernments for migration and occurs with agricultural-urban migration in Afghanistan or circular migration patterns as Afghans deflower into Pakistan and/or Iran. Afghans utilize their social net swear outs to find low- skillful rub down in the cities or neighboring countries. The advancedly skilled in Afghanistan often seek to migrate to western sandwich countries, as the opportunities in Afghanistan ar limited.Afghans transnational keepments withstand led to the development of the Afghan Diaspora, which has been essential in providing remittances to families in Afgha nistan to meet their daily take. The Afghan Diaspora has been involved in the reconstruction effort and is a distinguish contributor to development in Afghanistan. The continued engagement of the Diaspora is important to the building of Afghanistans future.This paper seeks to provide an overview of migration and development in Afghanistan. It testament begin with a rural area profile on Afghanistan (Chapter 2), followed by a follow-up of historical migration patterns in Afghanistan (Chapter 3) and a synthesis of up-to-the-minute migration patterns in Afghanistan (Chapter 4). The paper volition then move to discuss migration and development in Afghanistan (Chapter 5), the Afghan Diaspora (Chapter 6), policies regarding migration in Afghanistan (Chapter 7), and the migration relationship amid the Netherlands and Afghanistan (Chapter 8). The paper allow close down with an examination of future migration prospects for Afghanistan (Chapter 9) and a conclusion (Chapter 10).2. Ge neral Country ProfileAfghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the military personnel and has been inundated by decades of war, obliging strife and poverty. Today, Afghanistan is central in media attention overdue to the US led invasion post 9/11, however the inelegant has been in turmoil for much longer. This section will provide a brief overview of the recent history of Afghanistan, the current sparing blank space, the current governmental situation, a cultural overview, and the current status of women in the country.Historical OverviewThe modern history of Afghanistan scum bag be separate into four essential periods pre 1978, 1978-1992, 1992-2001, and post 2001.Pre 1978Afghanistan was founded in 1774 by Ahmad Shah Durrani who unified the Pashtun tribes in the region and created the postulate (CIA, 2009). The country was ruled by a monarchy and acted as a buffer amid the British and Russian empires until it accredited independence from conjectural British control in 1919 (CIA, 2009). The last King, Zahir Shah, reigned from 1933 to 1973, when he was overthrown by a takeover detat led by his cousin and ex-premier President Mohammed Daoud (Jazayery, 2002). Opposition to Daouds Government top off to a coup in 1978 by the Peoples Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) (Jazayery, 2002).1978-1992 Soviet InvasionThe PDPA was a Marxist regime and from 1989 was die harded by the Soviet Union. This was the first major flow of refugees from Afghanistan. The occupation by the Soviets was viewed in the west as an escalation of the ice-cold War. The West began to fund millions of dollars, which became billions of dollars, to the resistance forces known as the Mujahideen (Jazayery, 2002). The resistance forces operated earlier from Pakistan. In 1986 when Mikhail Gorbachev came to world power in the Soviet Union, the Soviets began the bear on of extraditing themselves from Afghanistan and by 1989 the Soviets had left Afghanistan.1992-2001 Taliban Rul eIn 1992 the Mujahideen forces overthrew Najibullahs Government. A misery of consensus of the unused Government led to a civil war from 1992-1996 (Jazayery, 2002). Afghanistan became disseverd into tribal fiefdoms controlled by fortify commanders and warlords (Poppel wholesome, 2007). The country was in a state of anarchy and Afghans lived in a state of constant attention of physical and sexual assault (Poppelwell, 2007).During this time, the Taliban emerged in 1994, claiming that Afghanistan should be ruled by Sharia (Islamic law) (Jazayery, 2002). The Taliban received actualize and funding from Saudi Arabia and Arab individuals in the quest to establish a pure Islamic model state (Poppelwell, 2007). The Taliban swept through Afghanistan encountering no resistance by the Mujahideen and were welcomed in more areas as they realised relative credential in the areas they controlled (Jazayery, 2002). By 1998, The Taliban had captured the bulk of the country and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Jazayery, 2002). A northern Alliance that arose in opposition to the Taliban maintained a Government of the Islamic State of Afghanistan with Burhanuddin Rabbini as hot seat (Jazayery, 2002). The Taliban Government was only recognized by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the get together Arab Emirates, while the Government of Rabbini maintained an officially represented seat at the UN (Jazayery, 2002).After the bombings of the US Embassys in Kenya and Tanzania the Taliban were asked to stop harboring Osama bin Laden (Poppelwell, 2007). At their refusal, the UN imposed sanctions against the Taliban and Afghanistan in 1999 (Poppelwell, 2007). By this time the Taliban were known for disregarding international law and human rights (Poppelwell, 2007). During this time, killing, pillaging, raping, and ethnical cleansing of individuals occurred across Afghanistan by the Taliban regime (Jazayery, 2002).Post 2001The events of 9/11 2001 led the US to lead Coaliti on Forces to invade Afghanistan on 7 October 2007. Within months the military forces had taken control of Afghanistan and declared the fall of the Taliban. The International Security and financial aid Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan began with 5,000 troops. In 2003, NATO took over the ISAF, which now, due to change magnitude security cephalalgias, is comprised of roughly 50,000 troops coming from all 28 NATO members (NATO, 2009).In December 2001 a UN led interim ecesis was established under the Bonn Agreement. The Bonn Agreement established a new constitution and the first democratic elections in 2004 (Poppelwell, 2007). Hamid-Karzai, became the leader of a broad based thirty-member ethnic council that aimed to be multi-ethnic and representative of Afghan auberge (Poppelwell, 2007). The new administration faced many challenges and in 2005 the Taliban began to regain strength in Afghanistan.The increased security challenges led to the London Conference in January 2006 to address the end of the Bonn agreement and the current challenges in Afghanistan. The terminus of the London Conference was the Afghanistan Compact, which identified a five-year plan for Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Compact is based on three nonice pillars security, governance, the rule of law and human rights economic and social development and the cross-cutting issue of counter-narcotics (Poppelwell, 2007, p. 8). Western Governments have taken on specific areas as a country lead for areas in which they will focus.The reconstruction process in Afghanistan has been extensive. A total of $14,775,000,000 US dollars has been contributed to the reconstruction process since 2001 (Livingston, Messera, and Shapiro, 2009). Despite the development efforts, insecurity has increased since 2005 with the Taliban regaining strength. The overall situation in Afghanistan continues to be characterized by contravention and poverty.DemographicsA census has non been conducted in Afghanistan since earlier to the Soviet invasion in 1978. Thus, all demographic information is estimates. In 2009, the CIA ground Factbook estimated the commonwealth of Afghanistan to be 28.3 million. This was a significant decrease from the previous estimate of 33.6 million. An Afghanistan census is scheduled for 2010. The population growth rate in Afghanistan was estimated by the United Nations to be 3.9 portion 2005-2010 (UN Data, 2009). stinting and Poverty OverviewEconomic progress in Afghanistan is occurring through the reconstruction effort, however, Afghanistan continues to be one of the least developed and poorest countries in the world. table 1 provides an overview of key economic and poverty indicators for Afghanistan in 2007. Real GDP growth for 2008-09 decelerated to 2.3 pct from 16.2 percent in 2007-08 (World Bank, 2009). This is the lowest GDP growth has been in the post-Taliban period and was due to poor agricultural turnout (World Bank, 2009). In 2009, however, growth is expected to increase due to a good agricultural harvest (World Bank, 2009). table 1 Key IndicatorsGDP Per Capita (PPP US $)1,054Life Expectancy43.6Adult Literacy Rate (% aged 15 and supra)28.0Combined Gross Enrolment Ration in Education50.1Human Poverty Index localize135.0Probability at birth of not surviving to age 40 (% of cohort)40.7Population not apply an improved water Source (%)78.0Children underweight for age (% under age 5)39.0Overseas Development Assistance per Capita (US$)146.0Source UNDP, 2009The latest poverty assessment in Afghanistan was conducted in 2005 through the National Risk and vulnerability Assessment (NRVA). The findings indicate that the poverty rate was 42 percent, corresponding to 12 million people live below the poverty line (Islamic land of Afghanistan, 2009, p. 14). In addition, 20 percent of the population was slightly above the poverty line, suggesting that a small economic shock could place them below the poverty line (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, 2009, p. 14). It is evident that widespread poverty continues to be a challenge in Afghanistan.Political SituationIn August 2009, Afghanistan held it second democratic elections (World Bank, 2009). The incumbent President Hamid Karzai, was re-elected with 50 percent of the necessary votes, however, since the election thither have been over 2,000 fraud allegations lodged with the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC). The Independent Election Commission announced in October 2009 that its final results indicated less than 50 percent of the votes for Karzai. Thus, a run-off election was scheduled for zero(prenominal)ember in the midst of Karzai and the lead opponent. in the beginning the election, however, the opponent withdrew from the race leaving Karzai as President (World Bank, 2009).The United Nations Mission to Afghanistan has continued to coordinate international assistance and support the Afghan government in developing good governance. The key aspects of the UN Mission semipoliti cal mandate include preventing and resolving conflicts building confidence and promoting national reconciliation monitoring and advising on the political and human rights situation investigating and making recommendations relating to human rights violations maintaining a dialogue with Afghan leaders, political parties, civil indian lodge groups, institutions, and representatives of central, regional and provincial authorities recommending corrective actions and undertaking good offices when necessary to further the love-in-idleness process (UNAMA, 2009).The political situation in Afghanistan continues to be difficult. In 2009, Transparency International rated Afghanistan 1.3 on the world(a) Corruption Perceptions Index (Transparency International, 2009). This was the second lowest ranking with only Somalia receiving a lower score. This suggests a lofty lack of trust in the Government of Afghanistan.Culture/ Ethnic GroupsAfghanistan is a traditional and conservative society with large ethnic divisions. Table 2 shows the percentage of the population that belongs to the different ethnic groups.Table 2 Ethnic Groups in Afghanistan1970s2006Pashtun39.440.9Tajik33.737.1Uzbeck89.2Hazara89.2Turkmen3.31.7Aimak4.10.1Baloch1.60.5Other1.91.4Source The Asia Foundation, 2006 Encycopedia Iranica, 2009The Pashtuns have broadly speaking been the majority in Afghanistan. They occupy land in the South and the East and are divided amoung tribal lines. The Tajiks are primarily Sunni Islamics who are Persian and occupy the Northeast and West of Afghanistan. The Tajiks are often well educated and landowners. The Uzbecks are descendents from the Turks and are primarily involved in agriculture. The Hazaras are primarily Shiite Muslims who occupy the sterilised highlands in central Afghanistan. The Hazaras are subsistence farms that have used migration routes for survival for centuries (Robinson and Lipson, 2002).The vast majority of the population in Afghanistan is Sunni Muslim (87.9 percent). Shiia Muslims account for 10.4 percent of the population and the remaining ethnic groups are negligible in numbers. Shiia Muslims are thus a minority and have faced persecution in Afghanistan.Status of WomenAfghanistans GDI (Gender Development Index) value is 0.310, which is 88.1 percent of its Human Development Index (HDI) (UNDP, 2009). The HDI does not account for gender in liveity, and the GDI adds this component to the HDI. Afghanistan ranks clv out of 155 countries measured in the world for its GDI. Indicators, such as literacy, illustrate this 43.1 percent of adult males are literate, compared to 12.6 percent of adult females (UNDP, 2009).The culture of Afghanistan is a based on traditional gender roles. Traditionally, women are seen as embodying the maintain of the family (World Bank, 2005). As such, women are devoted as brides to create peace, or to honour a relationship. The role of a wife is to maintain the household and support the husband, which includ es domestic and sexual operate. In general, a wife meets the husbands needs and if the wife does not she has dishonoured her family and community (World Bank, 2005).The legal rights of women in Afghanistan have changed with the political structure. Prior to Taliban rule, the Constitution of Afghanistan guaranteed women equal rights under the law, although local tribes may have had different customs. Under Taliban rule womens rights were severely hindered as they were not permitted to leave their homes unless accompanied by a close male relative, receive education, and had restricted addition the health care and employment. Women were frequently raped and abused during this time. With the fall of the Taliban the situation has improved for women, however there are great differences betwixt the rural and urban situation (World Bank, 2005).The Ministry of Womens Affairs (MOWA) was established in the Bonn Agreement to go on the advancement of women in Afghanistan. MOWA works in an a dvocacy role to ensure that policies are implemented for both(prenominal) men and women. In addition, MOWA works with NGOs to ensure programs for women are implemented.Womens rights remain to be a primary concern in Afghanistan. At present, close to 60 percent of women are married before the age of 16 (IRIN, 2005). At 44, women in Afghanistan have one of the lowest life expectancies in the world (UNDP, 2009). Women who are widow are ostracized in rural communities, but are often able to make a liveness in the cities to support themselves and their families. However, female-headed households tend to be primarily represented in the poorest quintiles of Afghan society (World Bank, 2005). The situation for women in the urban centres such as Kabul is becoming more liberal. Education rates of girls in the urban centres are high than rural areas and these indicators suggest changes are occurring for women in urban areas. Womens rights are high on the international policy agenda for Afgh anistan and a key goal of development aid.3. Historic Overview of MigrationMigration in Afghanistan has had a long history and has significantly shaped the countries social and cultural landscape (Monsutti, 2007). Historically, Afghanistan was a country of care between the east and the west and a key location on the Silk Road trade route. Thus, migration is a part of the historical personal identity of the country. The following chapter presents an overview of the complex migration patterns, with a historical perspective.Migration Patterns from Afghanistan to Pakistan and Iran Prior to 1978Migration between Afghanistan and Pakistan and Iran has a long history. The migration relationships are rooted in the ethnic ties that span the borders between the countries. For instance, Pashtuns make up 20 percent of the population in Pakistan and 30 percent in Afghanistan. The Pashtuns are separated by the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which is referred to as the Durand Line. The Durand Line was established during British colonialism to demarcate British India from Afghanistan, and has been acknowledged to be an arbitrary divide of Pashtun land (Monsutti, 2005). Thus, cross-border migration of the Pashtuns between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been a way of life. Similarly, the Hazaras of Afghanistan are Shiites Muslims, which is the majority religion in Iran (Monsutti, 2005). Hazaras regularly pursue in migration to and from Iran via religious ties. These ethnic and cultural ties led to cross-border migration for decades prior to the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan.The poor economic position of Afghanistan prior to 1978 led to further economic migration to the better off states of Pakistan and Iran. Stigter states, The economic differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan and Iran have long led Afghans to migrate to these countries to find employment and, for Iran, enjoy the benefits of a higher income (2006, p. 117). In the sixties and 1970s industrialization in Afgha nistan was minimal and there were limited opportunities for the newly educated and growing rural population (Stigter, 2006). A widespread drought in the 1970s led to large-scale crop stroke and further migration of many Afghans from the north and north-western Afghanistan into Iran (Monsutti, 2006). In addition, the oil boom of 1973 caused further increasing numbers of Afghans to cross into Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to capitalize on the labour opportunities (Stigter, 2006). Studies have also confirmed that prior to the war migrants from Northern Afghanistan travelled to Pakistan during the winter, illustrating that seasonal migration occurred between the two countries (Stigter, 2006 from CSSR, 2005).These pre-established migration movements reveal that social networks were established between Afghanistan and Pakistan and Iran prior to the Soviet Invasion and proceeding wars. Monsutti states that Channels of pre-established transnational networks exist between Afghanis tan, Pakistan and Iran- the movement of individuals to seek work, to escape drought or to flee war has been a common experience in Afghanistan (Monsutti, 2006, p. 6-7). Thus, it can be deduced that migration to Pakistan and Iran was a natural option for many Afghans.International Migration Post 1978International migration movements from Afghanistan from 1978 have primarily been comprised of refugee flows. The vast majority of refugees fled to Pakistan and Iran in the largest refugee crises of the late 20th Century. 1 shows the number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran from 1979-2001.1 illustrates that refugee outflows from Afghanistan began in 1979 with the Soviet Invasion. The outflows continued to increase during the Soviet occupation when there was civil war between the US funded Mujahideen and the Soviet backed Najibullah. Flows during this time spanned social classes and ethnic groups as the initial reason for migration was primarily protection led. However, reasons of a l ack of economic opportunities, devastation of infrastructure and trade networks, limited access to social services such as healthcare and education, and political and social reasons also contributed to migration flows (Stigter, 2006). Migration was thus not only refugee protection, but also the need to make a livelihood (Stigter, 2006).The peak of the refugee flows occurred in 1990 with 6.2 million Afghan refugees. This was after the Soviet withdrawal and when the Najibullah remained in power (Jazayery, 2002, p. 240). In the 1990s drought contributed to continuing refugee flows from Afghanistan (Stigter, 2006). The fall of the Najibullah in 1992 led to large-scale repatriation. However, with the Taliban gaining power in 1996, the number of refugees began to increase again to approximately 3.8 million refugees in 2001.During the initial refugee outflows in 1979 both Pakistan and Iran warmly welcomed the refugees under a banner Muslim solidarity (Monsutti, 2006). Iran is a signatory and Pakistan is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, however both countries welcomed the refugees. In Iran the refugees were given identification cards, allowed access to work, health care, food, free primary and secondary education, and were free to settle where they chose (Monsutti, 2006). Pakistan created an agreement with the United Nations to provide services to the Afghan refugees and received financial support from the international community (Monsutti, 2006).The era of welcome Afghan refugees began to change in 1989. In Pakistan refugees were still welcomed from 1989-2001, but were not provided with the same level of services and facilitation (Monsutti, 2006). In Iran support also decreased and by the 1990s refugees no longer received identity cards and assistance (Monsutti, 2006). The position of the host countries became increasingly unfriendly post 2001, which will be discussed in the next chapter of this paper.Return MigrationThe Muja hideen took over the government in 1992 and as a result virtually 2 million refugees returned to Afghanistan. By 1997 an estimated 4 million refugees had returned from Pakistan and Iran (Stigter, 2006). Simultaneously, however, conflicts between rival Mujahideen groups dissuaded many refugees from returning, and created new refugees and IDPs.Internal MigrationThe primary source of internal migration in Afghanistan was internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).Internally Displaced PersonsInternal displacement flows have followed a similar trajectory as refugee flows. The exact number of IDPs is not known and 3 shows estimated number of IDPs in Afghanistan from 1985-2001. Generally those who are internally displaced do not have the doer to cross an international border. IDPs in Afghanistan had access to very few services during this period. The UNHCRs capacity in Afghanistan began to increase after 1992 as is illustrated in 3 by the red line. From 1995 the two lines start to converge as t he number of IDPs back up by UNHCR increases and the total number of IDPs decreases.By 2001 the number of IDPs has significantly increased to 1.2 million. The number of IDPs in Afghanistan will be further examined in the next chapter.4. Current Migration Patterns- 2001- PresentCurrent migration patterns in Afghanistan are complex and multifaceted. Since 2001 Afghanistan has witnessed the largest movement of refugee return in UNHCRs history (Monsutti, 2008). These flows have been a mixture of voluntary and forced return of refugees who had been outside of Afghanistan for varying periods. The majority of returnees are from Pakistan. Afghan refugees have maintained ties with Pakistan and now cross-border labour migration between Afghanistan and Pakistan is increasing. In addition to international flows, the numbers of IDPs have decreased in Afghanistan since 2001 as IDPs return to their regions of origin. Finally, at heart this picture there are large flows of rural-urban migration a s returnees and non-returnees find limited opportunities in rural areas and move to the cities in search of work. All of these flows are occurring simultaneously and present a complex picture of current migration patterns and flows. Each of these areas will be addressed in the following section.Internal MigrationInternal migration flows in Afghanistan have been increasing in the post-Taliban period. As refugees and migrants return to Afghanistan they do not necessarily end their migration cycle. Returnees may continue to migrate internally in search of livelihoods and opportunities. The internal migration flows in Afghanistan are comprised of IDPs, rural to urban migration, and trafficking.Internally Displaced PersonsInternal displacement in Afghanistan has been understudied and information is limited to availability from the UNHCR. In 2004, the UNHCR conducted a data profile of IDPs in UNHCR assisted camps and in 2008 the UNHCR created a national profile of IDPs in Afghanistan. Sta tistics regarding IDPs are estimates1.Table 3 shows the number of IDPs and IDP returnees from 2001 to 2008. At the fall of the Taliban in 2001 there were approximately 1.2 million IDPs in Afghanistan, of which many returned spontaneously in 2002 (UNHCR, 2008, p. 6). In 2008, IDP returns were negligible due to continued insecurity, inter-tribal and personal conflict, landlessness and drought, and lack of muse opportunities and basic services in rural areas (UNHCR, 2008).Table 3 IDPs hit and Returns 2001-2008IDPsIDP ReturneesYear beAssistedTotalAssisted20011,200,0002002665,200753,3002003184,3002004159, euchre27,4002005143,00017,0008,6002006129,300129,30010,40010,4002007153,700153,7008,0008,0002008230,700230,7006,5004,000Total2,865,700513,700822,60031,000Source UNHCR Global Reports, 2001-2008Of the current IDPs (235,000) the UNHCR identifies 132,000 as a protracted caseload (2008). Table 4 shows the reasons for displacement of the current IDP population. These numbers do not include those who are invisible IDPs or urban unidentified IDPs. UNHCR estimates that the actual number of IDPs in Afghanistan is substantially larger than the numbers suggest (2008, p. 18).Table 4 Reason for Displacement of Current IDPs (2008)Reason for DisplacementNo. of FamiliesNo. of IndividualsProtracted31,501166,153New Drought affected1,0836,598New Conflict Affected1,7499,901Returnees in Displacement8,73752,422Battle-affected127759Total43,197235,833Source UNHCR, 2008Since 2007 the return of IDPs has continued to decrease due to increased instability in the country, drought, landlessness, and the spread of conflict and insurgency areas (IDMC, 2008). Disputes are arising between IDPs and locals as in Afghan culture if you are not born(p) in the region you do not belong there (IDMC, 2008). Options for IDPs appear to be limited as they are not welcomed in the regions where they are seeking protection.Rural to Urban MigrationUrbanization is rapidly occurring in Afghanistan as returnees s ettle in the cities and people migrate from rural communities to urban centres. Approximately 30 percent of returnees settle in Kabul (Stigter, 2006). The population of Kabul in 2001 was roughly 500,000 and it had grown to over 3 million by 2007 (IRIN, 2007). The urban centres do not have the infrastructure or resources to meet the needs of the large inflows of migrants, however, research suggest that the difficult situations in the cities are better than rural areas.In 2005 the Afghanistan query and Evaluation Unit conducted a study on rural to urban migration (Opel, 2005). A total of 500 migrants were interviewed in the cities of Kabul, Herat, and Jalalabad. The majority of migrants were male (89 percent) and the average age of migrants was 31 years (p. 4). Males tend to migrate to support their families, and females migrate when they have lost their husbands or have been ostracized by their community and have no means of supporting themselves in rural areas. The majority did not own productive assets in their colonization (71.2 percent), although 43 percent owned a house in their village (p. 8). The primary reasons for migration were the lack or work in the village and better opportunities in town (42%), followed by lack of work in the village (38.2%) and insecurity (16.3%) (p. 11). The majority of migrants made the journey on their own (70.7%) and paid for the journey from their savings (p.14). Migration to urban areas is expensive and the poorest of the poor cannot afford the journey.Once in the cities, the majority were employed in low skilled day labour work and on average respondents describe working 16 out of the foregone 30 days (p. 20). Social networks were essential in people finding work as 89 percent of skilled workers and 60 percent of unskilled workers reported receiving assistance from a relative, friend or neighbour (p. 20). Incomes in the cities were low, but were higher than what individuals could earn in the rural areas. The majority o f urban migrants remitted coin to their family in rural areas, which they carried with them when they returned or sent through family or friends. None of the urban migrants use the Hawala (see Chapter 6) system, which was reported to be too expensive for them. The majority of migrants reported planning to settle in the city (55%) (p. 26). Overall, the majority did improve their economic situation through migration (61.9% for males and 80.9% for females) (p. 27).The large-scale migration to urban centers appears to be a trend that will continue. It is estimated that urban centers are now accounting for 30 percent of the population in Afghanistan (Opel, 2005). The rapid urbanisation has shifted rural poverty to urban poverty (Stigter, 2006) and many challenges remain for the cities in managing the rapid growth.National TraffickingIn 2003 the IOM in Afghanistan conducted a study on trafficking of Afghan women and children. Research on trafficking in Afghanistan is difficult due to the lack of data inherent in all areas of Afghanistan, but increasingly so due to the disquietude of reporting trafficking related crimes and the shame associated with such