UN warns of return to Afghanistan of 500,000 migrants this year

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that approximately 500,000 more Afghan migrants are expected to return to the country this year.

OCHA stated on Monday, February 12, in a statement that Afghanistan ranks first in South Asia and second globally in terms of displaced persons.

According to the agency’s statistics, around 480,000 migrants will return to the country in 2024, with 98 percent of them requiring humanitarian assistance.

The coordinating body for humanitarian aid of the United Nations said that currently 6.3 million Afghans have been displaced from their primary areas, with most leaving their homes a decade ago.

Meanwhile, since the start of the repatriation process of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, approximately 500,000 individuals have already returned to the country in the past three months.

OCHA’s statement declared that through its budget, the organization will provide vital assistance to the vulnerable communities in Afghanistan, including water, health, protection, food security and agriculture, education, nutrition, and shelter.

This comes as the repatriation process of Afghan migrants from Pakistan continues, with relief agencies constantly warning of increasing needs among them.

Previously, OCHA had emphasized that the humanitarian aid program had been delayed for some time due to obstacles in recent weeks.