Over 613 Afghan families returned from Pakistan and Iran in late February 2024, with many facing deportation. The UNHCR emphasizes the need for organized and dignified repatriation to promote stability in Afghanistan, where over 2.1 million refugees have returned this year. Concerns about historical grievances and abuse during deportations have been raised by officials and scholars alike.
In a recent report from Kabul, it was revealed that approximately 613 Afghan families returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran during the last week of February 2024. Specifically, Iran expelled 501 families, while Pakistan deported 112, either through coercive measures or voluntarily. This influx of returnees follows a troubling trend as over 2.1 million Afghan refugees have made their way back to Afghanistan this year, according to Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR representative in Afghanistan.
During an interview with TOLO news, Mr. Jamal addressed the ongoing forced deportations occurring in Pakistan and Iran, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to facilitate safe and systematic returns. He stated, “We should be able to set with those countries, and with Afghanistan, to make sure that they come home in a systematic manner and in a manner that contributes to stability, to economic growth and to peace inside Afghanistan, this is our appeal.”
Moreover, he advocated for the dignified treatment of returning individuals, underscoring that returns should be voluntary. Mr. Jamal cautioned that disorganized movements of refugees could lead to chaos at the borders, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
Zakiullah Muhammadi, a professor at an Afghan university, expressed concerns that unresolved historical grievances between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran may intensify and even lead to conflict if deportations proceed without a structured plan for dignified repatriation. He called for urgent interventions to prevent exacerbating tensions.
For decades, Afghans fleeing conflict have primarily sought refuge in Pakistan and Iran, and the current unstable conditions in Afghanistan—marked by a growing food crisis—pose additional challenges for returning refugees. Those who have faced forced deportation from these countries have often experienced serious abuse and harassment, highlighting the delicate nature of their repatriation process.
In summary, the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran poses significant challenges as many are forcibly deported. The UNHCR highlights the importance of organized repatriation efforts to ensure stability and dignity for those returning. If left unaddressed, these issues could exacerbate regional tensions and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Original Source: pune.news
