Sharp increase of refugee returns pose risk to Afghanistan's fragile stability

Xinhua
30 Jun 2025, 08:15 GMT+10

KABUL, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Saturday raised the alarm over a surge in the number of Afghans returning from Iran under harsh conditions, cautioning that large-scale returns could exacerbate Afghanistan's already fragile situation.

According to UNHCR, over 640,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since the implementation of a return deadline by the government on March 20, 2025.

"We need to act fast. We urgently call on the international community to help us respond, not just with emergency aid, but with longer-term support. Funding for sustainable reintegration is essential to prevent cycles of instability and displacement," said Arafat Jamal, UNHCR's representative in Afghanistan.

In total, over 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far in 2025, the report noted.

The agency continues to advocate with governments in the region that returning to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe, and dignified. Forcing or putting pressure on Afghans to return is unsustainable and could destabilize the region and beyond, it said.

An estimated 7 million Afghan refugees, many undocumented, still reside abroad, primarily in neighboring Iran and Pakistan.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Chile Sun.

More Information

null in null

South America

Section

PERU-CUSCO-INTI RAYMI-INCA FESTIVAL

(250701) -- CUSCO, July 1, 2025 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on June 20, 2025 shows people celebrating Inti Raymi, or the Festival...

ARGENTINA-BUENOS AIRES-YPF-U.S.-RULING-APPEAL

(250701) -- BUENOS AIRES, July 1, 2025 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on June 30, 2025 shows a YPF logo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina...

"Super Premium Frequent Flier PM...": Cong MP Jairam Ramesh attacks PM Narendra Modi ahead of his 5-nation visit

New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, ahead of his five-nation...

Interview: Bolivia values brotherhood with China, says FM

Both Bolivia and China share a firm commitment to defending multilateralism and upholding the vision of the Global South, Bolivian...

(SP)U.S.-CHARLOTTE-FOOTBALL-FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP-FC INTER MILAN VS FLUMINENSE FC

(250701) -- CHARLOTTE, July 1, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Thiago Silva (top) of Fluminense FC celebrates for the goal of teammate Hercules during...

PM Modi to address Parliaments of Ghana, Namibia, Trinidad &Tobago during 5-nation visit : MEA

New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 5-nation visit, senior officials from the Ministry of External...

World

Section