UN Warns of Nearly 8 Million Afghan Returns by Year-End

DID Press: United Nations says the pace of Afghan returns from neighboring countries has accelerated, with nearly 8 million Afghans expected to return to Afghanistan by the end of this year.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih told a UN Security Council meeting that the number of Afghans returning to the country could reach nearly 8 million by the end of the year.

Salih stressed that not all of these returns are taking place voluntarily, with some Afghans returning under difficult circumstances.

He said Afghanistan is facing widespread poverty, limited access to essential services and few economic opportunities, warning that the return of millions of people would place additional pressure on host communities.

Salih said returns should not mark the end of the process but rather the beginning of efforts to ensure the safety, dignity and sustainable livelihoods of returnees in Afghanistan.

He also identified the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan as another major challenge.