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The United Nations is sounding the alarm over a staggering influx of Afghan returnees in 2025, with over 1.3 million people having already returned to the country, according to a recent statement by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The UN is calling for urgent international action to help address what it calls a rapidly escalating humanitarian and social crisis.
During a visit to the Islam Qala border crossing, Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative (SRSG), expressed deep concern over the situation:
“What should be a moment of hope and reunion for families who fled war decades ago is instead defined by exhaustion, trauma, and a lack of support.”
Otunbayeva emphasized that the mass scale and involuntary nature of many of these returns should be a wake-up call for the global community. Afghanistan, already burdened by drought, poverty, and a chronic humanitarian crisis, lacks the capacity to manage such a dramatic shift on its own.
“Afghanistan cannot absorb this shock alone,” the UN warned.
Despite efforts by local authorities and UN agencies, the fragile infrastructure and support systems are overwhelmed. Nearly 70% of Afghans live below the poverty line, and the growing number of returnees is placing intense pressure on food, shelter, and health services.
The statement noted that women and children are particularly vulnerable, returning to regions where access to basic services and social protections remains limited.
A particularly urgent concern is the severe underfunding of humanitarian programs.
“Agonizing choices between food, shelter, and safe passage are now unavoidable,” the UN report stated.
Without swift and sustainable reintegration efforts — including livelihood support, housing, and infrastructure development — the UN warns of serious consequences: loss of remittances, stress on local labor markets, renewed displacement, and a threat to regional stability.
Otunbayeva made a direct appeal to donors and regional stakeholders:
“Do not turn away. The returnees must not be abandoned. What we are witnessing is the direct result of unmet global responsibilities.”
The UN urged an integrated, long-term approach that addresses both the immediate humanitarian needs and supports sustainable development in returnee areas.
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