The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has issued an urgent call to the international community, global institutions, and donor countries to act responsibly and swiftly by increasing humanitarian aid.
Kabyl 24: Failure to address this crisis could result in a large-scale humanitarian disaster.In its latest humanitarian report, UNAMA highlighted the massive return of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries in the first six months of 2025.
According to data provided up to June 30, approximately 949,000 Afghans have returned to the country, with 741,000 from Iran and 208,000 from Pakistan.Unprecedented Surge in June
Recent regional tensions, particularly following Iran-Israel conflicts, have accelerated the deportation and return of migrants. In June alone, over 283,000 Afghans returned from Iran, marking a significant increase compared to previous months.
This surge has placed immense pressure on Afghanistan’s limited resources.Shift in Demographics of Returnees
Unlike in the past, when most returnees were single men, over 60% of current returnees are families, including women and children. This demographic shift has heightened vulnerability and intensified urgent humanitarian needs, such as shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, psychosocial support, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.Challenges for Host Communities
Border provinces, particularly Herat and Nimroz, are grappling with an unprecedented influx of returnees. Limited resources, strained public services, lack of adequate shelter, and the risk of rising social tensions are among the major challenges facing host communities.Urgent Need for Humanitarian Assistance
Returnees require immediate support to rebuild their lives, including access to shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, mental health services, and sustainable livelihoods. Without urgent intervention, the situation risks escalating into a widespread humanitarian crisis.UNAMA’s Call to Action
UNAMA urges the international community to act swiftly and responsibly to bolster humanitarian aid. It also calls on media and civil society to amplify this report, raising awareness at national and international levels to highlight the dire situation of Afghan returnees. Inaction could lead to catastrophic consequences for Afghanistan and the region.
