Approximately 613 Afghan families were deported from Pakistan and Iran between February 21 and 28, according to Kabul media. UNHCR’s Arafat Jamal reported 2.1 million Afghan refugees returned in 2024, urging for a systematic repatriation process. Concerns were raised by experts regarding the potential for increased tensions between Afghanistan and neighboring countries amid ongoing challenges faced by returning refugees.
Between February 21 and 28, approximately 613 Afghan migrant families returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran, as reported by local media in Kabul. According to Afghanistan’s Amu TV, 501 families were expelled from Iran, while 112 were deported from Pakistan, either forcibly or voluntarily.
Arafat Jamal, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, mentioned that over 2.1 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan so far in 2024. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that repatriations are conducted in an organized manner that promotes stability, economic growth, and peace within Afghanistan.
Additionally, Jamal urged authorities to respect the dignity of returnees, ensuring that those who wish to return do so voluntarily. He cautioned that if the deportation process is not managed properly, it could result in chaotic situations along the borders.
Zakiullah Muhammadi, an Afghan University professor, warned that historical tensions between Afghanistan and its neighbors could exacerbate if the deportation process continues without a framework for dignified returns. Such circumstances may even lead to potential conflicts in the future.
Many Afghan refugees have sought asylum in Pakistan and Iran due to ongoing conflicts and instability in their home country. The return of these refugees, in light of a growing food crisis and instability in Afghanistan, complicates an already dire situation for them, particularly given reports of mistreatment in their host countries.
The recent deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran highlights a troubling humanitarian issue. With over 2.1 million Afghans returning in 2024, there is an urgent need for a structured process to facilitate their return while ensuring their dignity. Failure to address these challenges could lead to further instability and conflict in the region.
Original Source: pune.news
