Statement by Displaced International on the Vienna Process and Its Role in Addressing Forced Displacement in Afghanistan
Displaced International (DI) welcomes the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, whose fifth round took place in Vienna, Austria, on February 18-19, 2025, as a critical initiative in addressing Afghanistan’s protracted displacement crisis. With over 10 million displaced Afghans worldwide—including over 3 million internally displaced persons and millions more seeking refuge in Iran, Pakistan, and beyond—forced displacement in Afghanistan is not merely a humanitarian challenge but a direct consequence of ongoing conflict and instability.
Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari, DI Founder & President, stated: “The Vienna Process represents a beacon of hope for millions of displaced Afghans, but its success depends on the international community’s commitment. The U.S., in partnership with regional stakeholders and multilateral institutions, must seize this moment to drive forward a comprehensive peace strategy—one that not only resolves conflicts but also ensures that Afghanistan no longer serves as a breeding ground for forced displacement and global instability.”
At DI, we envision a world where peace, coexistence, and dialogue replace war and violence. We believe that prioritizing sustainable human security allows nations to allocate their limited resources toward addressing the root causes of displacement rather than its consequences. As displaced professionals, who have experienced displacement firsthand, we understand the urgency of amplifying the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals—people whose lives have been irreversibly shaped by conflict.
Afghanistan’s displacement crisis is not just a regional issue but a global security concern. Meaningful support for a results-driven Afghan peace process will provide relief to millions of displaced Afghans and foster stability, security, and economic development across Afghanistan’s wider neighborhood. Consequently, DI urges immediate, coordinated efforts to secure a just and lasting peace for Afghanistan.
