According to statistics released by the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, 13,447 Afghan migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan in the past week alone.
Of these, 10,225 were forcibly repatriated from Iran and 3,222 from Pakistan, including women and children, the ministry reported.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation further elaborated that Afghan migrants returned to Afghanistan through border crossings such as Turgundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala and Friendship Bridge.
Expulsions of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran have surged in recent months, with both countries alleging they are forcibly returning Afghans without proper residency documents to Afghanistan.
However, some migrants who were deported from Iran and Pakistan claim that they were detained by police and forcibly returned to Afghanistan despite having valid residency documents.
Meanwhile, many Afghan migrants have documented cases of mistreatment at the hands of Iranian police inside the refugee camps.
Moreover, Pakistan’s Defense Minister had previously announced its intention to strictly enforce international law on the border with Afghanistan, emphasizing strict measures to prevent illegal Afghans from crossing the border.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the forced return of thousands of migrants, many of whom are vulnerable women and children, highlighting ongoing human rights violations and the challenges of protecting the rights and safety of Afghan refugees.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, with reports of widespread persecution and violations of fundamental human rights. The forced return of Afghan migrants from neighbouring countries highlights the urgent need for international attention and support to address the deepening crisis and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable people.
