Between February 21 and 28, 613 Afghan families returned to Afghanistan, with 501 expelled from Iran and 112 deported from Pakistan. The UNHCR reported over 2.1 million Afghan refugees have returned in 2024. Concerns have been raised regarding the conditions of their return, with calls for a more dignified process to prevent chaos and further grievances between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.
Recently, it was reported that 613 Afghan migrant families returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran during the week of February 21-28. Of these, 501 families were expelled from Iran, while 112 were deported from Pakistan, either forcibly or through voluntary means. This mass movement of refugees raises significant concerns about the conditions under which these returns are taking place, as the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan exacerbates their challenges.
Arafat Jamal, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, mentioned that in 2024 alone, over 2.1 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan. He urged for a collaborative approach between neighboring countries and Afghanistan to facilitate a systematic and dignified return process. Jamal emphasized, “We should be able to set with those countries, and with Afghanistan, to make sure that they come home in a systematic manner…”
Jamal further cautioned that the deportations should respect the dignity of the individuals involved, asserting that if the repatriation of refugees is not organized, it could lead to chaotic situations on both sides of the border. Zakiullah Muhammadi, a professor in Afghanistan, highlighted that the ongoing deportation processes might worsen historical grievances with Pakistan and Iran, potentially leading to future conflicts if not addressed correctly.
Afghan refugees have often sought refuge in Pakistan and Iran to escape the turmoil in their homeland. However, the current trend of forced deportation from these countries, coupled with the rising food crisis in Afghanistan, significantly complicates their situation. Reports indicate that many deported Afghans have endured severe mistreatment during their stay in Pakistan before being expelled.
The ongoing deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran poses severe challenges to their dignity and well-being. The UNHCR stresses the need for a coordinated return process that fosters stability and growth in Afghanistan. Without a proper strategy for these returns, tensions may increase between Afghanistan and its neighbors, further complicating the humanitarian situation. It is crucial for authorities to ensure that those returning do so voluntarily and under respectful conditions.
Original Source: pune.news
