Afghan Returnees from Iran Face Homelessness and Joblessness
- Afghan returnees from Iran face severe challenges like homelessness and unemployment.
- TOLO News reported returnees are calling on the Afghan government for urgent support.
- UNHCR warns over 1.4 million returning Afghans require immediate humanitarian aid.
Afghan Returnees Urgently Need Government Assistance
Challenges facing Afghan returnees are alarming, as many who have been deported from Iran are now grappling with severe hardships such as homelessness and unemployment. According to a recent report by TOLO News, the returnees are calling on the caretaker government of Afghanistan to take immediate and effective action to alleviate their burdens. They argue that the difficulties of returning home after exile should not be compounded by dire domestic circumstances.
Struggles in Pakistan for Afghan Migrants
Mohammad Sharif, a father of three who found himself back in Afghanistan after being deported, described the depths of their struggle: “We are currently lost, unsure of where to go or stay. I have three children, my wife is with me, and we have no job or shelter. We truly feel abandoned.” Their plea is for the Islamic Emirate to step up and provide suitable solutions for the returnees. Meanwhile, further complicating the situation for Afghan migrants, the Pakistani government is currently reviewing the status of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghans residing in Pakistan. They have emphasized the importance of not taking action against those holding these cards until a decision is finalized, which currently adds uncertainty to their status.
UNHCR Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Response
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning regarding the situation, stating that the return of over 1.4 million people this year has led to an unprecedented demand for emergency humanitarian support. The UNHCR’s statement highlights the urgency for additional funding to aid not just those who have returned but also the 1 million individuals who have come back from Iran specifically. Reports from Iranian media indicate that approximately 38,000 Afghan migrants are being deported daily through the Dogharoon border crossing, suggesting that this crisis is far from over as over 500,000 have already been expelled this year.
In summary, the plight of Afghan returnees, particularly those deported from Iran, highlights a grave humanitarian crisis. The urgent calls for assistance from both within Afghanistan and external organizations like the UNHCR underline the necessity for swift governmental actions. With over a million returnees facing homelessness and unemployment, it is imperative that the Afghan government and the international community act decisively to address these critical needs for aid and support.
