More Than Two Million Afghan Migrants Return; Women and Children at Risk
The Global Protection Cluster has reported that more than 2.85 million Afghans returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan during the period covered by its assessment, many of whom were forced to return under pressure.
In a report published on Tuesday (27 October), the organisation said large-scale returns, poverty and existing restrictions have increased protection risks for people, particularly women and children.
According to the report, many returnee families face serious difficulties accessing housing, identity documents, employment opportunities and essential services, making it harder for them to rebuild their lives.
The organisation said Taliban restrictions on women’s and girls’ education, employment and freedom of movement have limited their access to essential services and humanitarian assistance, affecting the lives of their families as well.
The report identified gender-based violence, discrimination and exclusion from services and opportunities, hazardous child labour and child exploitation, the dangers posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war, and psychological and emotional distress as major protection risks.
The Global Protection Cluster also said funding cuts and restrictions on the activities of humanitarian organisations have reduced vulnerable families’ access to protection services.
The organisation called for the removal of restrictions on women and girls, equitable access to assistance, and conditions that would enable Afghan migrants to return safely, voluntarily, with dignity and sustainably.
