UNHCR: Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan Worsened by Waves of Returning Migrants

DID Press: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that the return of over 2 million Afghanisatni migrants from Iran and Pakistan in the past seven months has intensified both economic and humanitarian pressures on Afghanistan, worsening the ongoing crisis in the country.

UNHCR said that Afghanistan is facing a multidimensional crisis, which has been compounded by the return of millions of migrants from neighboring countries. According to the agency, over the past seven months, more than 2.07 million Afghanistani have returned—approximately 1.5 million from Iran and over 500,000 from Pakistan.

UN warns recent border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces have disrupted return flows, putting the lives of thousands of migrants at risk during border crossings. Furthermore, the expiration of refugee registration cards in Pakistan has left thousands of Afghanisatni in an uncertain situation, exposing them to the threat of detention or forced deportation.

UNHCR emphasizes that these mass returns are occurring at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with severe economic challenges, food shortages, natural disasters, and limited access to essential services. The organization warns that this situation is increasing despair, instability, and poverty among returning families.

The report also notes that Tajikistan continues arbitrary deportations of Afghanisatni migrants, raising serious concerns about their safety and mental well-being.

To respond to the urgent needs of returnees and prevent further deterioration, UNHCR has called on the international community to provide $258 million in immediate assistance to support programs in Afghanistan.