Story

From Isolation to Embrace: A 15-Year-Old’s (Habib Rahman) Road to Reunification with Family story.

Afghanistan Development National Organization (ADNO) is a dedicated humanitarian organization addressing critical needs in vulnerable communities across Afghanistan. With a strong focus on child protection and empowerment, ADNO is actively implementing a comprehensive Child Protection (CP) project funded by UNICEF in Kandahar and Nimroz provinces, aiming to safeguard and uplift the most vulnerable children and their families. Among its key activities is the identification of unaccompanied and separated children, with efforts to reunite them with their families across Afghanistan.

On March 9, 2025, while registering underage deportees at the Zero-Point Spin Boldak border, ADNO FTR team encountered 15-year-old Habib Rahman, son of Noor Hasham from Sala village in Paktika province. Alone and without a caregiver, his youthful, innocent face reflected uncertainty. Recognizing his vulnerability, ADNO reunification officer swiftly identified and registered him as an eligible UAM case before transferring him to the ICC camp. There, the team provided him with food and accommodation, ensuring he could rest. Once refreshed, ADNO team conducted an interview to provide services to him, document his story and reunify him with his family.

Four years ago, my parents were chronically ill, and I had no money for their treatment. With no one in our family able to work, we were trapped in poverty—struggling to find food and unable to pay rent. As a child, no one in my community or province was willing to give me a job to support my family. I had three younger sisters and two younger brothers, all relying on me. With no opportunities, I was forced to leave my homeland and migrate illegally as my other villager did, hoping to find work and survival.

I left Paktika province and traveled to Ghazni in a cargo truck. With no money, I became an apprentice at a hotel for a week. After earning a small amount, I continued my journey to Kandahar and then to Spin Boldak. At that time, under the Islamic Republic, I met a smuggler at the border who charged me 2,000 Pakistani rupees to cross into Pakistan. I arrived in Quetta and began working in another hotel as an apprentice.

For 11 months, I endured grueling work—scrubbing bathrooms, changing beds, handling guest complaints, carrying heavy trays, chopping vegetables, and cleaning meat or fish. As a child, completing these tasks was impossible, and my boss abused me frequently, cutting my wages as punishment. The relentless hardship led me to make a difficult decision: instead of sending money to my family, I started my own business to escape abuse and exploitation.

For three years, I roamed the streets selling shoes and slippers, finally earning enough money to send home-providing food for my siblings and medicine for my father. One day, while selling goods, the Pakistani police arrested me. Without legal migration documents, I was transferred to Chaman and detained for a month”.

He stated “Life in Chaman jail was terrifying. I was held alongside adults, exposed to abuse and violence. The conditions were harsh—we lacked adequate food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and even clothing. Poor-quality meals affected my physical and mental well-being. In the freezing winter, without air-conditioning or heating, nights were unbearable. Worst of all, the police confiscated my valuables—money and my phone—leaving me with nothing.

After a month in detention, I was deported to Afghanistan. Upon reaching the border, I was introduced to Afghan authorities alongside other men and boys. Shortly after crossing, A person introduced his self ADNO staff offered help and, along with three other children, guided me to a safe shelter (ICC Center) in Spin Boldak. We were later transferred to Inzargai Camp, where we received basic refreshments (cack, biscuit, juice), and reassurance—bringing a long-awaited sense of hope.

Following documentation, ADNO transported me to Kandahar City, where I stayed at their ICC Center for a night and day. There, I was provided with warm meals, new clothes, shoes, a coat, and a full winter set. A warm bath and other essentials restored my dignity. Most importantly, I was given a mobile phone to contact my family. After a month of silence, I finally heard my mother’s voice—an overwhelming moment of joy. My family had been living in uncertainty, unsure if I was alive. During my stay at ICC, I played with other children, and the dedicated team worked tirelessly to lift our spirits. Their kindness turned my hardships into a story of survival and newfound hope”.

Later, ADNO staff contacted with child family and ensured them safe safely with financial assistance from UNICEF, the child transferred from Kandahar to Paktika province with great respect and care. Upon arrival, ADNO staff reunited him with his father, providing them with crucial awareness about the risks of illegal migration and children’s rights. The child family and him highlighted, “we are deeply grateful to UNICEF and ADNO that treated our son with love and care, just like a parent would, and helped reunite with us. Through the awareness they provided, we realized the dangers of illegal migration. we decide to pursue an education and build a future in our home country.

The child family and him highlighted, “we are deeply grateful to UNICEF and ADNO that treated our son with love and care, just like a parent would, and helped reunite with us. Through the awareness they provided, we realized the dangers of illegal migration. we decide to pursue an education and build a future in our home country.

This success would not have been possible without the dedicated collaboration between ADNO and the unwavering commitment of UNICEF to invest in the future of Afghan children. Sabir’s story is just one of many—but it is a shining example of what hope, opportunity, and compassion can achieve when they come together.