Thousands of Afghan refugees are being forcibly deported from Iran, arriving at the border exhausted, hungry, and with no means to return to their home provinces. Many of them include women, children, elderly, and sick individuals who have nowhere to go and no money to continue their journey.

Scale of Deportation

• Since early 2025, over 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran, many being forcibly deported LINK
• In June 2025 alone, more than 600,000 were sent back, including nearly 600,000 since June 1, with 70% forced deportations LINK
• Families are often separated during deportation, leaving children unaccompanied at border camp
• Many deported are women, children, elderly, and sick individuals, often arriving with no belongings and no plan

Conditions Upon Return

• Returnees arrive in transit camps like Islam Qala, facing extreme heat, hunger and no shelter.
• Afghanistan’s support systems are overwhelmed, with limited aid and infrastructure to absorb the influx

Human Rights Violation

• UNAMA and OHCHR have documented torture, arbitrary arrests, and threats against returnees
• The principle of non-refoulement is being violated, as people are sent back to a country where they face persecution