Deported Afghan Refugees Face Hardships Amid Aid Center Closures

Recently deported Afghan refugees from Pakistan are reportedly facing significant hardships, according to reports from Tolo News. These refugees were expelled abruptly by Pakistan and are now struggling to cope with their displacement.

One of the returnees, Bibi Shams, described the difficulties she is facing. She expressed a need for assistance, including land to build homes and aid for her hungry children. She also highlighted the approaching winter and the urgent need for support.

Another returnee, Dua, pointed out the inadequacy of the aid and the lack of shelter for many. She stated that the aid provided was insufficient and that some refugees were without homes or shelter, emphasizing the need for their care and the fulfillment of their needs.

Arafat Jamal, the Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, stated that nearly 100,000 Afghans were deported from Pakistan during the first week of September. He noted that this influx of returnees is straining the resources of both the UNHCR and the country.

The Afghan Commission for Refugees reported that a total of 10,288 people had been deported from Iran and Pakistan earlier in the week. The Deputy spokesperson for Islamic Emirates, Hamdullah Fitrat, stated that necessary assistance had been provided to the returnees.

The UNHCR closed several of its aid centers in Afghanistan, including those supporting the returnees from Pakistan and Iran. This decision followed a call from the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, who urged the Taliban authorities to address restrictions on female staff. Arafat Jamal emphasized the importance of women's participation in their operations and the consequences of closing the aid centers.