According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), over 250,000
Afghans returned in April alone – among them, 96,000 who
were forcibly deported. The agency voiced particular alarm
over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing
repression under Taliban rule.
The large-scale returns
are putting even greater pressure on already stretched
humanitarian resources and worsening the plight of millions
struggling to survive.
“They face increasing
restrictions in terms of access to employment, education and
freedom of movement,” said agency spokesperson Babar
Baloch.
“We keep telling the governments of
Iran and Pakistan that returns to Afghanistan must be
voluntary, safe and dignified,” he
continued.
Aside from women and girls, forcibly
returned human rights activists and journalists as well as
ethnic or religious minority groups are among those who face
the biggest dangers back in Afghanistan.
Massive
needs
These risks are further compounded
by rising needs, where half the population relies on
humanitarian assistance. Since 2023, more than 3.5 million
people have returned to the country.
Such
high numbers of returnees only increase the risk of further
internal displacement and attempts to reach Europe, Mr.
Baloch noted.
UNHCR is seeking $75 billion to assist
returnees and help stabilize the region. Afghans represented
the largest group of irregular arrivals from Asia Pacific to
Europe in 2024, at more than four in 10.
Additional
funds will allow UNHCR in Afghanistan to provide returnees
with urgent assistance including access to services,
livelihoods, reintegration services, travel and financial
assistance – “with emphasis on reaching women and
girls,” Mr. Baloch explained.
The agency also plans
to address immediate protection needs and enhance reception
capacity.
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