Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 22nd Nov. International Organization for Migration and humanitarian partners on Tuesday said that they are providing critical aid at border crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan as forced returns of Afghan nationals continued from Pakistan.
According to IOM in a press release issued in New York stated that in past two months 375,000 Afghans left Pakistan, primarily utilizing the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings, near Kabul and Kandahar.
The number of daily border crossings has gone up from 200 17,000, created an unprecedented strain on resources and infrastructure.
Maria Moita, IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission said “Their situation is desperate; most people told us they were forced to leave the country and leave belongings and savings behind,”.
“People arriving in Afghanistan are extremely vulnerable and need immediate support at the border as well as for the long term in the areas of return,” she added.
Pakistan’s implementation of the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan,” which set a 1 November deadline for the “voluntary return” of all undocumented Afghans in Pakistan to their home country unfolded the crisis, IOM stated.
The ageny said that critical aid, encompassed shelter, water, sanitation, essential household items, healthcare, protection, nutrition services, and cash assistance for basic needs, transportation, and food, are being delivered by an IOM-led border consortium.
The surge in forced returns has necessitated the establishment of larger reception centres to provide assistance to returning Afghans before they proceed to their intended areas of return.
Ms. Moita said that “This is a significant humanitarian crisis and funds are urgently needed to continue providing immediate assistance after arrival to ensure a safe and dignified return,”.
The border consortium has launched an initial appeal for support, anticipating the need for a revision and additional resources as crisis unfolds.
The situation is challenging for women and girls in Afghanistan, and with winter approaching, the need for international support is even more urgent, IOM noted
According to IOM, after decades of conflict, instability and economic crisis, Afghanistan will struggle to absorb the high number of returning families, many of whom have not lived in the country for decades if ever.
The agency added that “With over six million people internally displaced throughout the country, Afghans returning from Pakistan face a precarious, uncertain future.”
Afghanistan has the third-largest number of internally displaced people globally.
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