An even deeper humanitarian crisis is looming in Afghanistan as tens of thousands of Afghans are being forced to return from neighbouring countries, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warned as it urgently seeks $71 million to assist those arriving home in desperate conditions.
In April, more than 251,000 Afghans returned in adverse circumstances from Iran and Pakistan, including over 96,000 who were deported. UNHCR continues to advocate with the Governments of Iran and Pakistan that returns to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe, and dignified. Forcing or putting pressure on Afghans to return is unsustainable and could destabilize the region.
While UNHCR recognizes the many challenges, including economic pressures, facing these countries that have hosted millions of Afghans for decades, the organization has also consistently shared the concerns that ,regardless of their legal status, people forced to return to Afghanistan may encounter serious protection risks.
This is especially true for Afghan women and girls who face increasing restrictions in terms of access to employment, education, and freedom of movement in Afghanistan. Among other profiles, ethnic and religious minority groups, human rights activists, and journalists could also be at risk upon their return. These concerns are compounded by acute humanitarian needs inside Afghanistan, rising unemployment rates, as well as natural disasters and extreme weather incidents.
Since 2023, more than 3.4 million Afghans have returned or been deported from Iran and Pakistan, including over 1.5 million in 2024 alone. Such mass returns have strained the capacity of many provinces in Afghanistan and exacerbated the risk of further internal displacement. There has also been new displacement into Iran and Pakistan, and heightened risks of onward movements towards Europe. In 2024, Afghans became the largest group (41 per cent) of irregular arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region into Europe.
UNHCR is working with partners like UNDP and IOM to support the growing number of returnees in Afghanistan. Amid the current funding uncertainties, UNHCR need $71 million over nine months to respond to this crisis across the region.
The additional funds will allow the teams to provide crucial financial assistance for returnees to cover urgent needs, travel, access to services, livelihoods, and reintegration activities, with an emphasis on reaching women and girls. UNHCR will also enhance the reception capacity and centres to help returnees address protection needs and receive critical information.
In Iran and Pakistan, UNHCR will scale up emergency support through community outreach, protection monitoring, and psychosocial and legal support. Communication with refugees will be strengthened through hotlines and SMS in local languages to provide timely information about services. Border monitoring will be reinforced. Specialized and tailored services are planned for the most vulnerable groups.
