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.
Get a daily dose of Malaysia Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Malaysia Sun.
More InformationBANGKOK, Thailand: This week, Thailand implemented land border restrictions, including a ban on tourists traveling to Cambodia, as...
KABUL, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Saturday raised the alarm over a surge in the...
(250630) -- YANGON, June 30, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Students perform during a celebration marking the 75th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic...
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir), June 30 (ANI): Authorities have opened multiple spillway gates of the Salal Dam in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi...
Islamabad [Pakistan], June 30 (ANI): Pakistan is set to begin the third phase of its Afghan refugee deportation drive on Monday, a...
Balochistan [Pakistan], June 30 (ANI): Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, shared the details of the enforced...
LONDON, U.K.: A little-known investment fund based in the United Arab Emirates has emerged as the most prominent public backer of U.S....
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Across the U.S., a growing number of people are taking obesity treatment into their own hands — literally....
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Under pressure from European regulators, Apple has revamped its App Store policies in the EU, introducing...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: The U.S. dollar tumbled this week, hitting its lowest levels since 2021 against the euro, British pound, and...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Walmart is set to close a major Sam's Club fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of a shift in...
SAN FRANCISCO, California: A U.S. judge has dismissed a copyright lawsuit filed by 13 authors against Meta Platforms, the company that...