In brief
As Iran intensifies its crackdown on undocumented refugees, more than 1.4 million Afghans have been deported in recent months. Many of those returning to Afghanistan express fear and uncertainty about their future amidst existing humanitarian crises and stringent regulations on women and girls.
At the border crossing of Islam Qala between Iran and Afghanistan, the situation for returning Afghans has become dire. Every day, nearly 20,000 Afghans are expelled from Iran, often with little more than the clothes on their backs. This surge is part of a significant government-led campaign against undocumented refugees, as reported by the United Nations' Refugees agency, indicating that over 1.4 million Afghans have been sent back since January alone.The recent geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly stemming from conflict between Israel and Iran, have exacerbated this crisis. The majority of these deportees face returning to Afghanistan, a nation already grappling with widespread poverty and severe restrictions on women's rights – a scenario that leaves many feeling hopeless about their futures.Upon arriving at a processing facility in Islam Qala, returnees voiced their anguish and bewilderment. Mohammad Akhundzada, a former construction worker who spent 42 years in Iran, questioned the purpose of his hard work in exile when his situation back home offers little to no prospects.With many Afghans having lived in Iran for decades, their abrupt return poses significant challenges. The influx has led to overcrowding in border facilities, leaving thousands lacking basic needs and shelter while heightening fears about what lies ahead in their homeland, where many have not lived in years or do not recognize.The humanitarian situation remains precarious, as Afghans now navigate life amid dire economic restrictions and the ever-looming threat of violence in a country reeling from ongoing crises. As their stories underscore the depth of their plight, the urgent need for international attention and support is clear.
