20 July 2025

Forceful returns of Afghan nationals threaten to overwhelm already-fragile support systems and place refugees in a dangerous humanitarian situation.

In 2025, more than 1.9 million Afghans have returned to a drought-afflicted Afghanistan, thousands of whom are unaccompanied children. In the country, 70% of the population lives in poverty, and access to basic services and social protections remain severely constrained. Under the Taliban, women’s rights continue to be violated, including bans impacting employment, higher education, and freedom of movement. Humanitarian operations are also dangerously underfunded, often forcing civilians to choose between food, shelter, and safe passage. 

This mass return has been facilitated by deportation policies in Iran and Pakistan, as well as threatened or actual forced returns from other countries. Since the onset of the Israel-Iran war, forced returns of Afghan nationals have escalated, even for those with valid documentation. More and more States are considering deportation or forceful return of Afghan nationals, and some have halted or suspended resettlement programmes. This creates a severe risk for vulnerable Afghans, even those whose cases have previously been approved for resettlement. 

Currently, Afghanistan is not a safe country for returnees due to the constantly deteriorating human rights situation. In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan, causing many women to flee the country. Under the new Afghan government, it is prohibited for girls to study beyond sixth grade. Women are banned from holding most jobs, going to public spaces such as parks, and traveling long distances without a male companion. There are specific categories at risk of serious harm if they are forced to return to Afghanistan, including LGBTQ and gender-diverse civilians; former security and government officials, including judges and prosecutors; religious and ethnic minorities; and those who are critical of Taliban policies, such as human rights defenders and journalists. More than four million Afghans have been internally displaced as a result of disasters and conflict.

There is currently a strong need for an increased humanitarian response for Afghanistan. Host countries must also address the international protection needs of the population. The speed and scale of the forced returns are overwhelming already fragile support systems, with tens of thousands of people crossing the border daily relying on insufficient humanitarian aid. Without international support, the situation will continue to escalate at a dangerous rate. 

Di Megan Xing