Recently, 613 Afghan migrant families returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran, as reported by Amu TV. A UNHCR representative noted the return of over 2.1 million refugees this year, urging for organized repatriation to foster stability. Concerns were raised about historical grievances potentially escalating into conflict if deportations continue without a proper framework. The situation remains critical amid rising food insecurity in Afghanistan.
According to local media reports in Kabul, approximately 613 Afghan migrant families returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran between February 21 and February 28. The Afghan news outlet Amu TV documented that Iran expelled 501 families while Pakistan deported 112, with some removals taking place under coercive conditions and others occurring voluntarily.
Arafat Jamal, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, stated to TOLO news that more than 2.1 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan in 2024. He emphasized the necessity of collaborating with the respective governments to ensure that these returns happen in an organized manner that supports stability and economic growth in Afghanistan.
Mr. Jamal further highlighted the importance of treating returning individuals with dignity and ensuring that their return is voluntary. He warned that disorganized repatriation could lead to chaos on both sides of the border. Zakiullah Muhammadi, an academic from Afghanistan, expressed concerns that entrenched grievances between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries may provoke conflict if deportations continue without an appropriate framework to ensure respectful and dignified returns.
For decades, Afghans fleeing conflict and instability have sought refuge primarily in Pakistan and Iran. The return of refugees amid growing food insecurity and instability within Afghanistan exacerbates their predicament. Many of these returning individuals, who face expulsion from neighboring countries, have reported experiencing significant abuse and harassment in Pakistan.
The recent return of Afghan refugees highlights ongoing tensions regarding migration policies in both Pakistan and Iran, as highlighted by the reported forced deportations. The statements from UNHCR officials underscore the necessity for a structured approach to ensure stable and dignified repatriation. Without a long-term solution, historical tensions between Afghanistan and its neighbors may deepen, leading to potential conflict and further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: pune.news
