Asia Platform has recently warned that over one million Afghan migrants who have returned from Pakistan in recent months are at risk of secondary displacement and a humanitarian crisis if immediate support is not provided.
The organization stated in a press release that returnees from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, are primarily entering a country that is already grappling with widespread poverty, economic collapse, and severe resource shortages.
The statement read: “Afghanistan has previously experienced the largest internal displacement crisis in Asia. Now, with the wave of forced returns, it is undergoing one of the largest demographic changes in recent years.”
Asia Platform has warned that the lack of land, shelter, legal documentation, job opportunities, and educational and healthcare services for returnees will lead to a humanitarian disaster and further unrest.
The organization has also called on all countries, relevant institutions, and organizations to adhere to the principles of voluntary, safe, and dignified return, and to support the rights of refugees and returnees with a coordinated regional response.
Pakistan, which has long hosted one of the largest populations of refugees from Afghanistan, has decided to expel undocumented migrants amid deteriorating bilateral relations with the current government and increasing security concerns.
However, internal political and economic challenges, with long-term impacts on social stability, have created further difficulties for returning migrants and Afghan society.
It should be noted that Pakistan has been implementing the second phase of forced expulsions of Afghan migrants for nearly two months, during which thousands of Afghan citizens have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan.
In this context, returning migrants also speak of being subjected to mistreatment, abuse, and violations of human values by the Pakistani police.
