Countries: Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of) Source: Norwegian Refugee Council Recent regional tensions and enforcement of deportation policies in Iran have triggered massive returns to Afghanistan overwhelming a humanitarian response already crippled by severe aid cuts and leaving needs unmet.The Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) teams in western Afghanistan report that the humanitarian system is overstretched by the sheer pace and scale of arrivals. More than 1.4 million people have returned to Afghanistan so far this year, including over 1 million people from Iran, and a large number from Pakistan. The daily number of returnees from Iran surged after 13 June, peaking on 1 July when over 43,000 people were registered in a single day, according to UNHCR.“We are seeing families arrive exhausted and distressed to a country that has very limited capacity to support and reintegrate them. We are doing everything we can, but the scale of needs is exceeding the current resources,” said Jacopo Caridi, NRC’s Country Director in Afghanistan.“Local communities have shown remarkable solidarity. Many of our staff are hosting returnee families in their homes. The authorities are doing their best to mobilize the few resources they have, but the local systems are not equipped to cope with such tremendous needs”.Many of the returnees have lived in Iran for decades, and some were even born there. They arrive with little to no belongings and are in urgent need of shelter, clean water, food, legal documentation, education, and healthcare.After decades of conflict and with two thirds of the population already in need of humanitarian support, Afghanistan faces extreme challenges in receiving and reintegrating large numbers of returnees, given the current limitations on public services and humanitarian support.“If current trends continue, Afghanistan could see over three million returnees by the end of 2025. The international community must not turn its back on Afghan civilians. Both returnees and host communities urgently need support to prevent further suffering and instability,” said Caridi.NRC also calls on all parties to uphold the principles of voluntary, safe and dignified return.“Involuntary returns should be halted as current conditions in Afghanistan do not meet the minimum standards for safety or sustainability. We also call for greater international responsibility-sharing and support for countries that have hosted Afghan refugees for decades,” said Caridi.Notes to editors:1.4 million people have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan so far this year (UNHCR).22.9 million Afghans are already in need humanitarian assistance (UN).So far this year, donor countries have only provided 22 per cent of the money needed according to the humanitarian response plan (UNOCHA), and several donors have announced drastic funding cuts (NRC) .The regional refugee response plan is only 19 per cent covered (Refugee Funding Tracker).The underfunded displacement crisis in Iran is on NRC’s list of neglected displacement crises. Millions of Afghans have fled to Iran for protection, and Iran now hosts the largest refugee population globally (NRC).UNHCR’s non-return advisory for Afghanistan is available here.Photos are available for free use here.B-roll is available for free use here.For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329