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Afghan Refugee Crisis: Over 5,500 Forcibly Repatriated in Single Day

The Taliban has announced that over 5,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly sent back from Iran and Pakistan in just one day. These families are now arriving through key border crossings and being directed to their home areas. Meanwhile, returnees living in camps are desperately asking the Taliban for help with shelter and supplies as winter approaches. Analysts are stressing that both the government and aid groups must continue supporting these vulnerable people.

Key Points: Taliban Reports 5,580 Afghan Refugees Forcibly Repatriated

  • Taliban reports 1,014 families forcibly returned through five major border crossings
  • Returnees in camps urgently request shelter, jobs, and winter supplies
  • Analysts urge continued government and aid organization support for refugees
  • The Taliban calls on host nations to halt the ongoing forced deportations
2 min read

Over 5,500 Afghan refugees forcibly repatriated from Iran, Pakistan in single day

Over 5,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan in one day, as returnees plead for shelter and aid ahead of winter.

"We ask the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to our situation. We are sick and cannot work in this cold. We need help. - Aynuddin, Afghan Returnee"

Kabul, Dec 15

More than 5, 500 Afghan refugees have been forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a single day, according to Taliban official statement on Monday.

Sharing the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues report on X, Taliban deputy spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat revealed that 1,014 families, comprising 5,580 people, returned to Afghanistan on Sunday, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

He said that Afghan returnees travelled to Afghanistan through the Islam Qala crossing in Herat, Bahramcha in Helmand, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Torkham crossing in Nangarhar and Spin Boldak in Kandahar. He stated that 1,083 Afghan families, comprising 5,924 people, who returned to Afghanistan recently, were taken to their respective areas, while 900 families were provided humanitarian assistance.

He added that telecommunication companies provided 1,119 SIM cards to Afghan refugees who returned to Afghanistan.

Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat revealed that 4,991 Afghan migrants were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan on Saturday.

Meanwhile, refugees, who have recently returned to Afghanistan and are now residing in designated camps, have urged the Taliban to provide them shelter, employment opportunities and access to necessary supplies as the winter season is approaching.

"We ask the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to our situation. We are sick and cannot work in this cold. We need help," Afghanistan-based Tolo News quoted one Afghan returnee, Aynuddin, as saying.

Khan Mohammad and Mohammad Awaz, who have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan after 40 years, have expressed hope that the Taliban will help them get through the winter and added, "After that, we will try to rebuild our lives."

Mohammad Awaz said, "I have 10 children, and I’m worried they’ll fall ill this winter. We ask the Islamic Emirate to provide us with facilities."

Analysts have stated that the government and aid organisations should continue supporting the Afghan refugees who recently returned to their homes.

The appeal from returnees and analysts comes as Afghan refugees have been forcibly deported from neighbouring nations in recent years. The Taliban has repeatedly promised that it will provide assistance to Afghan refugees and urged host nations to stop forced deportations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
A very complex situation. Pakistan and Iran have hosted refugees for decades, but their economies are strained. However, forced returns are not the solution. The Taliban government must be held accountable to provide for its own citizens first. Hope the aid reaches the people.
A
Aman W
Providing SIM cards is a small but practical step for connectivity. But what about roti, kapda, aur makaan? Shelter and jobs are the immediate need. India has always had a soft corner for Afghan people. Perhaps our NGOs can help in some way.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with refugee aid, this is a massive logistical and humanitarian crisis in the making. Winter in Afghanistan is brutal. The focus needs to be on immediate shelter, warm clothing, and food supplies. The world needs to coordinate a response, fast.
K
Karthik V
While the situation is tragic, we must also be realistic. The Taliban regime is not recognized globally, which cripples formal aid channels. Neighbouring countries are facing their own challenges. It's a perfect storm of geopolitics and human suffering. A long, hard winter ahead for these families.
M
Meera T
My heart goes out to the children mentioned in the report. No child should have to worry about falling ill from the cold. Where is the basic humanity? The Taliban's promises need to translate into action on the ground, not just statements.

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