Over a thousand refugees return home from Iran: Ministry of Refugee Affairs

The Ministry of Refugee Affairs of Afghanistan announced that more than a thousand refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Iran, either voluntarily or forcibly, through the Silk Bridge in Nimroz province.

In a press release on Monday, June 24, the ministry stated that 486 of these individuals have been introduced to the United Nations for assistance.

According to the press release, the Ministry of Refugee Affairs mentioned that six unaccompanied children were among them and were introduced to a charity organization, while 29 families received assistance from this ministry.

The Ministry of Refugee Affairs also reported the return of 81 refugees from Pakistan.

According to the officials of this ministry, 16 families, including 81 people, were forcibly returned from Pakistan and were introduced to the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration for assistance after being registered with the Department of Refugee Affairs.

Amid a dire humanitarian crisis, Afghan refugees are being forcibly deported from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. These deportations have exacerbated the already severe conditions faced by returnees, who struggle with the lack of essential resources such as food, shelter, medical care, and job opportunities in Afghanistan.

In Iran, many Afghan refugees have faced harassment and forced expulsions, leading to a significant number being sent back to Afghanistan without any support systems in place. This sudden return leaves them vulnerable to starvation, homelessness, and health issues, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Pakistan has also intensified its deportation efforts, often rounding up Afghan refugees and sending them back across the border. This practice not only disrupts the lives of thousands but also places an additional burden on Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure, which is ill-equipped to handle the influx of returnees and provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

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