Hooshko - Welcome

Shadow and Mirage

J.S

I am an asylum seeker who fled Afghanistan due to the dangers I faced for my humanitarian work supporting women and children
My activities with international projects put me at risk of prosecution by the Taliban
I am now seeking a safe place for myself and my family, away from threats and violence

46years without identity

My Journey of Return and Resilience I am Jomhoor Samandari, the son of a migrant family. My parents migrated to Iran during the Pahlavi regime, fleeing the hardships of Afghanistan and settling in the city of Saveh. At the age of thirty, as a father of two daughters and with no hope of finding stable work or building the future I had envisioned, I made the decision to return to Afghanistan, relying on the education and skills I had gained in Iran. I knew it wouldn’t be easy — starting from zero in a country I had never seen, among people whose language and culture were unfamiliar to me. A land torn by decades of war, instability, and extremist groups. Still, the international community had poured billions of dollars into Afghanistan, supporting the establishment of a new, independent government under President Hamid Karzai. With strong determination, I surrendered my residency documents to the relevant authorities and, with the help of the UNHCR, returned to Afghanistan. I clearly remember — everyone around me was against my decision, but I knew I had to follow my own path, even if it meant beginning again from nothing.

Afghanistan is the Most Unsafe Country to Live In

In 2011, Afghanistan was still engulfed in widespread conflict and violence. On the very day I arrived in Herat — September 11 — a powerful explosion shook the capital. I stepped into a country overshadowed by insecurity and uncertainty. Yet, despite the fear and doubts, I set foot on the soil where I hoped to rebuild my future from scratch.

Arrival Amid Chaos

On the very day of arrival in Herat, a deadly explosion reminded us that fear and violence were part of daily life.

Insecurity Everywhere

Every step outside meant uncertainty. Afghanistan in 2011 was one of the most unsafe places to live, especially for returnees.

Hope in Ruins

Despite threats and instability, there was still a dream to build a better future in a broken homeland.

UNHCR & HELP Documents

Official documents from the HELP organization promising support and aid.

Registration paper from UNHCR for returnees – but promises were left unmet.

Evidence from the Returnee Department in Afghanistan.

Receipts of financial or land aid given to our family — but land was never delivered.

Additional aid documents related to our return and settlement program.

More evidence from Afghan repatriation offices confirming our registration.

With promises from the United Nations and aid organizations like the Help Institute, we hoped that our return to Afghanistan would be met with support and safety. But when we arrived, some of those promises never became reality.

The relief organization refused to accept us, and the piece of land that the Migration Department had promised was never provided. All we have to this day is a simple receipt.

The most painful incident happened in the second month after our return. We had been invited to a celebration, and when we came back, we discovered our home had been robbed. The thieves had stolen our cash, valuables, and even our food.

We contacted the police, and they told us: “Don’t worry, we will catch the thieves.” But until now, the police are still searching.