UN warns of ‘deeper humanitarian crisis’ as thousands return to Afghanistan 

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has warned that an even deeper humanitarian crisis is looming in Afghanistan as tens of thousands of Afghan
refugees are being forced to return from neighbouring countries. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said at a press conference in Geneva on
Tuesday  that the agency urgently needs $71 million to assist those arriving home
Baloch said these refugees face desperate conditions once in the country. In April, more than 251,000 Afghans returned in adverse
circumstances from Iran and Pakistan, including over 96,000 who were deported, Baloch said.  He said the UNHCR continues to advocate with
the governments of Iran and Pakistan that returns to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe and dignified
: Forcing or putting pressure on Afghans to return is unsustainable and could destabilize the region, : he said. : While UNHCR recognizes
the many challenges including economic pressures facing these countries that have hosted millions of Afghans for decades, we have also
consistently shared our concerns that regardless of their legal status, people forced to return to Afghanistan may encounter serious
protection risks, : Baloch said. : This is especially true for Afghan women and girls who face increasing restrictions in terms of access
to employment, education and freedom of movement in Afghanistan.  : Among other profiles, ethnic and religious minority groups, human
rights activists, and journalists could also be at risk upon their return.  : These concerns are compounded by acute humanitarian needs
inside Afghanistan, rising unemployment rates, as well as natural disasters and extreme weather incidents, : he said. Since 2023, more than
3.4 million Afghans have returned or been deported from Iran and Pakistan, including over 1.5 million in 2024 alone.  The UNHCR said such
mass returns have strained the capacity of many provinces in Afghanistan and exacerbated the risk of further internal displacement.  The
organization also warned that there has also been new displacement into Iran and Pakistan, and heightened risks of onward movements towards
Europe.  In 2024, Afghans became the largest group (41 percent) of irregular arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region into Europe.   The post
UN warns of ‘deeper humanitarian crisis : as thousands return to Afghanistan  first appeared on TINS News.