UN Concerned Over Regional Conflicts' Impact on Afghan Refugees

The United Nations has expressed deep concern regarding the consequences of escalating regional conflicts on Afghan migrants and refugees.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated during a Tuesday press briefing that these tensions could trigger a wave of Afghan refugee returns to Afghanistan. He referenced recent clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan, reiterating the UN's serious worries about escalating tensions and their direct effects on civilians.

Dujarric noted that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that intensified conflicts in the Middle East have worsened the regional humanitarian situation, sharply raising the risk of mass Afghan returns from neighboring countries under adverse conditions.

UNHCR reports indicate that since the start of this year, approximately 110,000 Afghans have returned from Iran. Since late last month, an average of 1,700 people have entered Afghanistan daily from the Iranian border. The situation at the Pakistan border is also critical, with over 160,000 Afghans having returned from Pakistan so far.

UNHCR emphasized that the main Torkham crossing remains closed due to Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, warning that its potential reopening could dramatically increase return flows. Since October 2023, more than 5 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, placing heavy strain on Afghanistan's human and economic capacities.