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The Institute of Strategic Studies in Afghanistan held a roundtable discussion on the political, social, and cultural aspects of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Herat on December 18, 2019. The event was attended by government officials, university professors, media representatives, and civil society activists. The speakers included Ahmad Javid Nadem, head of the Refugees and Returnees Department in Herat, Sayed Ashraf Sadat, head of the ACSFo office in Herat, and Fawad Ahmadi, director of Ariana TV in Herat.

Nadem discussed the causes of migration and displacement, the characteristics of IDPs, and the challenges faced by the department in providing assistance to them. He noted that Herat is a transit point for many IDPs due to its proximity to the border with Iran and Pakistan, and that the city's hospitality and industrial parks are also attractive to IDPs. However, Nadem emphasized that the department faces significant challenges, including a lack of resources, infrastructure, and budget, which hinders its ability to provide adequate assistance to IDPs.

Sadat discussed the social and cultural implications of IDPs in Herat, noting that many of them have benefited from national and international aid, but their presence has also created challenges for the city's cultural and economic landscape. He emphasized that the IDPs' way of life has not changed significantly over the past 18 years, and that they have not been able to integrate into Herat's urban society. Sadat proposed that the IDPs should either be returned to their original homes or integrated into Herat's urban society, and that national and international aid should be coordinated to address their needs.

Ahmadi discussed the media's role in covering the issue of IDPs in Herat, noting that many reports have highlighted the challenges faced by IDPs, but that the government has not taken adequate action to address these issues. He emphasized that the IDPs' presence has had a negative impact on Herat's security, economy, and culture, and that the government should take a more proactive approach to addressing their needs. Ahmadi also criticized the silence of civil society organizations and government officials on this issue, and called for a more coordinated approach to addressing the challenges posed by IDPs in Herat.