Afghanistan Faces Soaring Humanitarian Challenges as Nearly 472,000 Afghans Return From Pakistan

The situation in Afghanistan has taken a dire turn as nearly 472,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan between September 15 and December 16, with humanitarian needs rising at the border and areas of return. The mass returns were triggered by a Government of Pakistan announcement in early October that all undocumented Afghans, estimated at 1.3 million people, would be deported starting November 1. As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports, these returns primarily occurred through the Spin Boldak and Torkham border crossings in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces.

Humanitarian Crisis at the Border: The surge in daily returnees reached alarming numbers, increasing from 300 per day in mid-September to at least 25,000 by early November. Forced returns were not solely due to formal GoP-enforced deportations but also resulted from challenges such as extending tenancy agreements, fear of arrest, extortion, harassment, and limited freedom of movement, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). As of December, many returnees found temporary shelter in Taliban-run sites before reaching their intended destinations.

Humanitarian Needs and Public Health Risks: Returnees faced targeted harassment, with Afghan authorities prohibiting them from bringing possessions, leading to high levels of humanitarian needs, including urgent relief commodities and psychosocial support. Public health risks persisted, including infectious disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and mental health issues. The influx of returnees further strained already limited resources in areas where they settled, particularly in Kabul, Kandahar, Kunar, and Nangarhar provinces.

International Response and Humanitarian Assistance: In response to the growing needs, a border consortium led by USAID/BHA partner IOM launched an appeal for nearly $111 million to assist the projected 770,000 Afghan returnees through July 2024. Relief organizations provided critical assistance, reaching nearly 455,000 returnees with food, health, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support between September 15 and December 16. However, the ongoing situation emphasizes the need for sustained assistance beyond border crossing points.

Food Insecurity Challenges: The challenges in Afghanistan extend beyond the returnees, with approximately 15.8 million people projected to experience Crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity from November 2023 to March 2024. Though this represents a slight improvement from the previous year, economic difficulties, unemployment, increased commodity prices, and climatic shocks continue to drive food insecurity. The arrival of Afghan returnees and winter weather further compounds the challenges, limiting employment opportunities.

Earthquake Devastation in Herat Province: Adding to the humanitarian crisis, four 6.3 magnitude earthquakes struck Herat Province between October 7 and 15, resulting in significant loss of life and injury. The earthquakes disproportionately affected women, exacerbating protection risks, including gender-based violence. Damaged infrastructure, including homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, has left thousands in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

International Aid Response: In response to the earthquakes, USAID/BHA announced $12 million in immediate humanitarian assistance. Relief organizations provided emergency food assistance, primary health care services, and distributed cash assistance, reaching a total of 267,000 people between October 8 and December 6. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs increased its funding appeal to $173 million to reach 275,000 earthquake-affected people.

Increased Vulnerability of Afghan Women and Girls: A rapid gender analysis conducted by the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Working Group revealed that the Taliban’s restrictions have significantly increased the vulnerability of Afghan women and girls. More than 50 edicts targeting women and girls have hindered access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The analysis underscores the urgent need for sustainable livelihoods and improved access to education and healthcare services for Afghan women and girls.