UNICEF Highlights Surge in Afghan Child Returnees Amid Border Crisis

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that over 5,000 unaccompanied Afghan children have returned from Iran, spotlighting a humanitarian crisis at the Islam Qala border. Economic hardship forces many Afghan families to migrate, only to face deportation and dire conditions upon return. Urgent international support is needed.

In a deepening humanitarian crisis, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported that more than 5,000 unaccompanied children have returned to Afghanistan from Iran through the Islam Qala border crossing. This alarming figure was part of a larger flow of 150,000 individuals who crossed back into the war-torn country in June alone, according to TOLO News.

Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan, revealed that many of these returnees are vulnerable children, women, and families. The organization is concerned about the risks of exploitation and abuse these children face and has teamed up with other agencies to provide essential services like vaccinations at the reception center in Islam Qala.

The forced return of Afghan migrants is not just a statistic but a harrowing reality for many. Individuals like Murtaza and Nazeer Ahmad share stories of interrupted education and harsh treatment in Iran, hoping for an improved economic situation to resume their lives in Afghanistan. With Iran imposing an imminent deadline for Afghan migrants to leave, and over 88,000 undocumented migrants being deported in a single week, the crisis at the border intensifies.

(With inputs from agencies.)