Afghanistan Peace CampaignHe also warned of the negative consequences stemming from the sharp reduction in international assistance to deported migrants.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has voiced concern over the large-scale expulsion of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries at a time when humanitarian aid is drastically declining.
The UNHCR representative in Afghanistan Arafat Jamal highlighted that 380,000 Afghan migrants have been deported from neighboring countries just in the current year, stressing that Afghanistan is not prepared to accommodate such numbers.
He said: ” Three million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries since September 2023. This year alone, 380,000 have returned. They repatriate to a nation and a people that is welcoming them home, yet they return to a homeland that is dramatically unprepared to receive them. These past few months, I have traveled to all the main frontier crossings between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. I have witnessed a host nation that is embracing its long-exiled brethren, taking care of them, feeding them, and sheltering them.”
He also warned of the negative consequences stemming from the sharp reduction in international assistance to deported migrants.
According to the UN official, this situation could push Afghanistan into yet another crisis.
“Every dollar subtracted reduces a person’s ability to rebound. With the funding reductions, our current assistance package can be considered to be purely humanitarian, absolutely vital, but short-term and non-transformational. It can help someone to survive, but not to thrive. Even more starkly, perhaps, the budget cuts inhibit our ability to help those who take great personal risks to help the women of Afghanistan. Because against the odds, there are many, many people in this beautiful country who believe in their community and who strive to create conditions for women to get education, to work, or even simply to relax in a park with their companions,” Arafat Jamal added.
While the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation speaks of its plans to address the challenges of deported migrants, it also emphasizes the importance of continued international support.
Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, spokesman for the Ministry, stated: “The Islamic Emirate is fully prepared for the return of migrants and has programs in place to meet their essential needs, including shelter and education. Partner countries and international humanitarian organizations should cooperate with the Islamic Emirate in implementing these programs.”
Mohammad Reza, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: “House searches happen daily, many children are taken away, and even women without male guardians or heads of household are not spared, they are also taken to camps.”
Concerns over the consequences of slashed international aid for deported Afghan migrants continue to mount, as forced deportations from Pakistan and Iran remain ongoing at an intense pace.