Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have warned that Afghans returning from Iran and Pakistan face increased risks of human trafficking, forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
In a joint statement marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Thursday, July 30, the two agencies said many returnees are arriving in communities already struggling with poverty, limited access to basic services and severe economic pressures, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.
The agencies identified women, children, internally displaced people and returnees among those particularly vulnerable to trafficking and abuse.
UNODC and IOM called for stronger, coordinated measures to prevent trafficking and protect victims, including better identification of people at risk, improved access to protection and assistance, and greater cooperation among law-enforcement and justice institutions.
They also urged authorities and humanitarian partners to raise public awareness about trafficking risks, particularly among communities facing severe economic and social pressures.
The warning comes as Afghanistan continues to receive large numbers of people returning from neighbouring countries. The scale of returns has placed additional pressure on communities already facing a prolonged humanitarian and economic crisis, leaving some families with limited income, housing and access to essential services.
The UN agencies said addressing the underlying causes of trafficking is essential to reducing vulnerability. They called for expanded livelihood opportunities, better access to education and stronger basic services to help prevent people from falling into exploitative situations.
For many returnees, the risk can increase during and immediately after displacement, when families may lack stable housing, income or social support. Children and women can face additional risks when families are separated or forced to rely on informal work and assistance networks.
UNODC and IOM stressed that preventing trafficking cannot be addressed by Afghanistan alone. They called for cooperation among Afghanistan institutions, neighbouring countries and international organisations to identify vulnerable people during cross-border movements, prevent exploitation and ensure that victims receive appropriate support.
The agencies also urged that returning Afghans have access to accurate information, basic services and protection mechanisms as they seek to rebuild their lives.
The warning highlights the broader humanitarian challenge facing Afghanistan, where poverty, displacement and limited economic opportunities can leave vulnerable people exposed to criminal networks and abusive forms of employment.
UNODC and IOM said sustained prevention, victim protection and regional cooperation are essential to ensuring that Afghans returning from abroad do not become further victims of exploitation.