Mass Deportation of Afghan Refugees from Iran Escalates Humanitarian Crisis

Since the beginning of 2025, more than 1.68 million Afghans have returned from Iran, over 1 million of them through forced deportation.

Between July 1st and 23 alone, Iran forcibly expelled over 409,000 Afghan refugees, nearly double the number deported in June. Most were undocumented, and 42% were holders of expired Headcount slips. Around 77% of returnees were families, arriving at border points like Islam Qala and Zaranj without shelter, food, or documentation.

Returnees have reported abuse, discrimination, and denial of basic services in Iran. The humanitarian situation remains dire, especially for women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Immediate humanitarian assistance is critical to support over one million deportees and prevent further deterioration.

Photos: Bsira Hakimi

Key Challenges Faced by Returnees

Hunger and Malnutrition

Lack of Shelter

Health Crises

Protection Risks

Extreme Heat Conditions

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

Our Rapid Response

Compassionate Afghanistan responded swiftly, using just $200 to restore dignity, health, and hope:

• 30+ Days of Food, a complete family food package, tailored to maternal nutrition needs.

• Cash Assistance, for immediate needs like fresh fruit, medicine, and household essentials.

• Medical Referral & Support, personally overseen by our Community Medical Expertise Panel, ensuring safe care pathways and essential tests for her pregnancy.

• School Supplies for Her Children, books, stationery, and emotional support to reconnect them with learning and stability.

This was more than a relief package, it was compassion in action.

Help More Families Like Raheema’s

Support a Returnee Family, $150
Your donation covers food, medicine, school supplies, and urgent care for one family in crisis.

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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