Afghan Deportations from Iran: IFRC and IOM Warn of Crisis

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced in a statement that more than 800,000 Afghans have returned from Iran to Afghanistan since the beginning of this year. Among them, nearly 137,000 people crossed the Islam Qala border in the month of June alone.

The organization warned that these individuals are returning under pressure and without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. With rising temperatures and limited resources, both host communities and humanitarian organizations are facing a severe crisis.

Alexander Matheou, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the IFRC, who visited the Islam Qala border, said:

“These people are not just numbers; they are mothers, fathers, and children returning under extremely difficult circumstances. We must treat them with dignity and support them in rebuilding their lives.”

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 714,000 Afghans have returned from Iran so far this year, with 70% being forcibly deported.

Amy Pope, Director General of IOM, expressed deep concern over the situation:

“The large-scale return of Afghans from Iran—following a similar wave from Pakistan—has placed unprecedented pressure on the humanitarian response system. Many families arrive exhausted, without any belongings, wearing only the clothes on their backs. They are in urgent need of food, health services, and humanitarian support.”

At the same time, the International Federation for Human Rights in Exile stated in a press release that the forced deportation of thousands of Afghan migrants from Iran—without consideration for their asylum claims, humanitarian needs, health conditions, or life-threatening risks in their country of origin—constitutes a clear violation of the principle of non-refoulement.

The federation called on the United Nations and other international and human rights bodies not to remain silent in the face of what it described as the “systematic violation of human rights” by the Islamic Republic of Iran. It urged these bodies to take immediate and effective measures to stop the forced deportations and ensure adequate protection and support for Afghan migrants.