Iran, Pakistan Plan Mass Expulsions of Afghan Refugees Amid Crisis

As neighboring countries Iran and Pakistan ramp up the forced return of Afghan refugees, the situation in Afghanistan remains dire. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warns that Iran plans to expel up to two million Afghans by March 2025, and nearly 800,000 have already been expelled from Pakistan since October 2023. Many returnees, primarily women and children, face unemployment, inadequate housing, and severe restrictions on their rights, especially regarding education and employment. Jan Egeland, NRC Secretary General, emphasizes that these vulnerable families are returning to the same conditions that forced them to flee, highlighting the urgent need for international support and engagement with Afghan authorities. The plight of women and girls is particularly severe, with bans on secondary education and professional training posing additional threats to their livelihoods and health. Without durable solutions, these refugees are trapped in a cycle of hardship and uncertainty.