In brief
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed more than 1.3 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan in 2026, placing severe pressure on communities with inadequate housing and basic services. The IOM has called for urgent funding to close an $8.8 million gap for emergency shelter, winterization kits and household items as winter threatens to isolate vulnerable groups.
More than 1.3 million Afghans have returned from neighboring Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan so far this year, the International Organization for Migration reported on Friday, underscoring a surge in repatriation amid severe strain on local communities.
The IOM said the influx is intensifying pressure on already stretched communities that lack adequate housing and basic services, with winter bringing an additional layer of urgency.
The organization is appealing for donors to close an 8.8 million U.S. dollar inter–agency funding gap to deliver emergency shelter, winterization kits and essential household items before severe weather isolates vulnerable communities.
Mihyung Park, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Afghanistan, warned that the extreme weather could cut off remote areas.
"Families are returning to communities where housing and basic services are already under severe strain. Winter is now adding another urgent need,"
"We need funding now to help families find shelter and keep warm before snow cuts access to remote areas," Park added.
