The situation for Afghan returnees is further complicated by political and security challenges in Iran:

• Targeting of Afghan Migrants: Iran’s Interior Minister claimed some foreign nationals (often Afghan migrants) entered Iran with sabotage intentions.

• Arrests and Accusations: At least five Afghan refugees were arrested in the past two weeks on suspicion of spying for Israel.

• Poor Treatment: Many returnees report mistreatment by Iranian police and lack of assistance in Afghanistan.

These factors highlight the urgent need for humanitarian support to address the vulnerabilities of Afghan returnees.

The IOM reported a fivefold increase in the expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran between June 19th and 25th, with over 88,308 individuals forcibly repatriated. The daily return rate surged to 30,000, with many lacking documentation and 55% being forced expulsions, largely affecting families. This influx at border crossings like Islam Qala has created an urgent need for humanitarian aid, as families are left without possessions, shelter, or essential services.

Photo: AVA

Photo: The Shillong Times

Photo: Bsira Hakimi

Key Challenges Faced by Returnees

Hunger and Malnutrition:

• 15.8 million Afghans face "crisis" or worse levels of food insecurity, with 1.6 million children acutely malnourished (WFP, UNICEF).

• Families report skipping meals, with many children at risk of severe malnutrition.

Lack of Shelter:

• 85% of returnees lack permanent housing, with families crammed into overcrowded camps like Islam Qala and Spin Boldak (IRC).

• Camps are operating beyond capacity, leaving many families exposed to harsh conditions.

• Rising cases of respiratory infections, diarrhea, hypertension, and mental disorders among returnees (WHO).

• Limited access to healthcare, with shortages of doctors, medicines, and mobile health teams.

Health Crises:

Protection Risks:

• Women and children, who make up 60% of returnees, are at heightened risk of exploitation and abuse (UNICEF).

• Inadequate protection mechanisms leave vulnerable groups exposed to harm.

Extreme Heat Conditions:

• Returnees are facing scorching temperatures, with limited access to shaded areas, clean water, and cooling facilities.

• Prolonged exposure to heat is exacerbating health risks, particularly for children and the elderly.

Voices from the Ground

The stories of returnees paint a harrowing picture of the crisis:

Mahdi Ebrahimi, 19-year-old returnee from Varamin, Tehran:

“They kicked us out. In Tehran, the municipality took 1 million Toman from us before deportation. Then the Hasanabad camp in Mashhad did the same. I came back four days ago — alone, with nothing. Young people like me get no help at the border. I used to work as a furniture welder. Now, I have no tools, no job, and nowhere to go.”

Mahdi’s experience reflects a broader issue — the exclusion of single young returnees from aid programs and the financial exploitation they face before deportation.

Awaz Ali, deported from Karaj, Tehran:

“We were pushed out from Iran through Islam Qala. I’m staying with some relatives now, but the house has no carpets, no kitchen utensils, and nothing for basic living. I used to do embroidery back in Iran. I wish I could get some support to start again — even a basic sewing machine could help.”

Awaz hopes to rebuild his life through tailoring work and asks for livelihood support and proper shelter.

“We were deported from Iran with nothing — we left behind our house, savings, and everything we had. It has been 20 days since we returned. We arrived during the Eid holidays, and everything was closed. We received no help at all — not from the government, not from UNHCR. My children sleep under the open sky. We have no water, no food, and I am pregnant. There is no clinic, no medicine, and no one to support us. All we ask for is a proper shelter, clean water, electricity, and a chance for my children to go to school.”

Raheema is currently living in an open compound with her children, without a roof or basic services. Her condition is particularly alarming due to her pregnancy and the complete lack of healthcare access. She urgently needs emergency assistance, including food, water, maternal health support, and access to safe shelter and education for her children.

– Raheema – Pregnant Mother of Three, Forcibly Deported from Iran

The Human Cost Is Devastating

• Over 1.1 million Afghans deported from Iran since 2023.

• 200,000+ detained and forcibly expelled in 2025 raids (HRW).

• Dozens have died during dangerous crossings and transit (IOM).

• 60% of returnees are women and children (UNICEF).

• 85% lack permanent housing upon return (IRC).

Border camps are overcrowded and under-resourced. Existing humanitarian operations are only reaching a fraction of those in need.

Compassionate Afghanistan is working on the ground to provide life-saving support to returnees — but urgent funding is needed to scale up the response.

Your support will help us provide:

• Emergency food, nutrition, and clean water to families in need.

• Temporary shelter and shaded areas to protect returnees from extreme heat.

• Health services for mothers, children, and the chronically ill.

• Protection and psychosocial care for trauma-affected families.

• Cash assistance to meet immediate survival needs.

How You Can Help

Donate Now

Every Contribution Saves Lives

Bank Name: Wise

Account Holder: Karoline Maria Klerk

IBAN: BE25 9054 6486 0682

SWIFT/BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX

Bank Address: Wise, Rue du Trône 100, 3rd floor, Brussels, 1050, Belgium

Earmark: Compassionate Afghanistan-62025

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Your support can restore dignity, safety, and hope to families forced to start over. Whether you're a donor, partner organization, or concerned global citizen — you can make a direct impact.

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Compassionate Afghanistan’s Commitment

Compassionate Afghanistan is fully committed to addressing this crisis. Our ground team and volunteers are actively engaged in assessing the urgent needs of Afghan returnees. We are working tirelessly, day and night, to utilize available resources and initiate fundraising efforts. Based on the support of our partners, donors, and financial resources, we aim to:

Provide life-saving aid to the most vulnerable.

Restore dignity and hope to displaced families.

Build resilience for a more stable and peaceful Afghanistan.

Together, we can make a difference. Your timely support can save lives and help rebuild futures for Afghanistan’s most vulnerable.

Contact Us

📧 contact@casdho.org

📞 +93-799-799-240