Around 613 Afghan migrant families were returned from Pakistan and Iran between February 21-28. The UNHCR reported over 2.1 million Afghan refugees returned in 2024. UN official Arafat Jamal emphasizes the need for organized repatriation to ensure stability in Afghanistan. Concerns about historical grievances could lead to conflict if deportations continue without a proper framework.
Between February 21-28, approximately 613 migrant families from Afghanistan returned from Pakistan and Iran, as reported by Kabul’s local media. The Afghan Amu TV highlighted that Iran was responsible for expelling 501 families, while Pakistan deported 112 families through various means, including forced and voluntary returns.
Arafat Jamal, a representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, reported that over 2.1 million Afghan refugees have returned home in 2024. He called for cooperation among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan to ensure that these returns are orderly and conducive to stability, economic growth, and peace within Afghanistan.
Jamal further emphasized the importance of treating returnees with dignity and ensuring their voluntary choice to return. He warned that disorganized repatriation might lead to chaos along the borders of these countries.
Zakiullah Muhammadi, an Afghan university professor, expressed concerns that unresolved historical tensions could worsen the relationship between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. He cautioned that without a structured repatriation process, the potential for conflict could increase.
Many Afghan refugees have been taking refuge in Pakistan and Iran for years due to ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. The situation is critical, as the return of these refugees coincides with a rising food crisis and instability in their homeland, potentially exacerbating their challenges further.
The return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran poses significant challenges amid the ongoing conflict and food crisis in Afghanistan. Urgent measures are needed to ensure safe and dignified repatriation. Historical grievances must be addressed to prevent escalating tensions between Afghanistan and its neighbors. The UNHCR is advocating for a cooperative approach to facilitate an organized return that promotes stability and peace.
Original Source: pune.news
