Afghan Refugees Return from Iran and Pakistan Amid Widespread Concerns

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is concerned about the widespread and disorganized return of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan. Over 1.6 million Afghans have returned to the country this year, more than the UN's forecasts. The UNHCR is calling for restraint, financial support, and international cooperation to handle the chaotic situation better. The returnees are facing challenges such as poor sanitary conditions, and the WHO has reported a rise in infectious diseases among them.

Title: UNHCR Urges Restraint Amid Widespread Return of Afghan Refugees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed grave concern over the widespread and disorganized return of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan. According to the UNHCR, over 1.6 million Afghans have returned to the country this year, a figure significantly higher than the UN's forecasts [1]. The UNHCR, through its representative in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, has called for restraint, financial support, and international cooperation to better manage the chaotic situation [1].

Jamal emphasized that Afghanistan is currently ill-prepared to handle the influx of returnees, which is occurring in an undignified and disorganized manner. He noted that on some days, over 50,000 people have been reported crossing the Islam Qala border, putting immense pressure on the country's resources [1]. The scale and intensity of the returns are alarming, with 1.3 million Afghans returning from Iran alone this year [1].

The situation is further exacerbated by reports of forced deportations from Iran, where Afghan refugees face challenges such as arrests from marketplaces and workplaces [1]. This has led to a humanitarian crisis, with refugees expressing concerns about their safety and livelihoods.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also issued a warning regarding the rising spread of infectious diseases among Afghan migrants deported from neighboring nations. Poor sanitary conditions have contributed to a rise in respiratory infections, skin conditions like scabies, diarrhoea, and suspected COVID-19 cases [1]. The WHO has launched emergency health screenings and mass vaccination campaigns to address these health risks [1].

Meanwhile, a German court has ruled that the German government is obliged to issue visas to Afghan nationals and their family members who were accepted into a humanitarian admissions program. The court's decision, in response to an urgent appeal by an Afghan woman and her family, ruled that the government was legally bound to honor its commitment to them, despite the program being suspended pending a government review [2]. The court's decision can be appealed.

The situation highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and support to manage the crisis effectively. The UNHCR's call for restraint and financial support is critical to ensuring that the returning refugees are treated with dignity and that their needs are met.

References
[1] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/unhcr-expresses-concern-over-widespread-and-disorganised-return-of-afghan-refugees-from-iran-pakistan/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/germany-must-honour-visa-obligations-afghan-refugees-rules-court-2025-07-08/