Afghan refugees' mass return from Pakistan can worsen humanitarian crisis, warns UNHCR

The mass return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from Pakistan is poised to worsen Afghanistan's already dire humanitarian crisis, as reported by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), according to Khaama Press. It was posted on X by the UN Refugee Agency that many of those being deported from Pakistan lack employment opportunities and adequate shelter.

The organisation added that this influx of returnees, just ahead of the harsh winter season, presents a grim outlook for the Afghan population, placing further strain on limited resources and aid efforts. UNHCR was quoted by Khaama Press as saying, "Returns of hundreds of thousands of Afghans from Pakistan, most without jobs or homes and just before winter, set to deepen Afghanistan's already-severe humanitarian crisis." It was added, “The mass arrivals couldn't have happened at a worse time.”

Afghanistan refugee crisis

The sudden surge in returnees from Pakistan, a country that has hosted Afghan refugees for decades, comes at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with severe challenges, reported Khaama Press. The country faces a fragile economy, political instability, and a healthcare system overwhelmed by several challenges.

Urgent efforts are needed to address the immediate needs of these vulnerable populations and to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Earlier in October, an order was issued by Pakistan requiring all individuals residing in the country illegally to depart voluntarily or face a crackdown starting on November 1. This directive had a significant impact, leading to the return of more than 3,00,000 Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

The sudden exodus of these refugees has raised concerns about their well-being and the humanitarian challenges they may face upon their return to Afghanistan. The mass return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, occurring just before winter and amid Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crisis, is a deeply troubling development. Immediate action is required to provide essential aid and shelter to these returnees, as well as to bolster international efforts to stabilise Afghanistan and alleviate the suffering of its people, as reported by Khaama Press.