UNAMA Acting Chief Visits Afghan Returnee Process at Islam Qala

DID Press: Georgette Gagnon, the acting head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), visited western Afghanistan, including the Islam Qala border crossing, to observe the return of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan and UN efforts to support returnees.

During the visit, Gagnon reviewed the work of UN agencies and partner organizations providing assistance to Afghans arriving through the border crossing.

The United Nations launched a $529 million 2026 Response Plan for Afghan Returnees in May, aimed at supporting an estimated 2.7 million Afghans projected to return from Iran and Pakistan between April and December 2026. The plan covers both emergency assistance at border crossings and longer-term support for reintegration in communities of return.

According to the UN, the response plan includes $100.7 million for assistance at border points and $428.5 million for reintegration in 35 priority districts. The assistance includes cash, health, nutrition, protection, water and sanitation, transportation, education and livelihood support.

The visit comes amid continued large-scale returns from both Iran and Pakistan. UNHCR data showed that more than 1.22 million Afghans had returned in 2026 as of September 22, including about 522,200 from Iran and 705,400 from Pakistan.

UN agencies have previously reported significant humanitarian needs at Islam Qala. WHO-supported teams have provided health screening, medical consultations, medicines and health education to returnees at the crossing.

The situation has also raised concerns over differences in the scale and type of assistance provided to returnees arriving from Iran and Pakistan. The UN has emphasized that immediate assistance at border points needs to be combined with longer-term support for housing, livelihoods, health, education and other essential services.