Overview

• Over 1.9 million Afghans have been forcibly returned in 2025, predominantly by Iran and Pakistan, straining an already collapsing economy and humanitarian system.
• UNAMA documented abuse methods including mock executions, waterboarding and beatings carried out by Taliban militants against returnees.
• Women, girls, journalists, former government officials and civil society members face the highest risk of reprisals upon their return to Afghanistan.
• UNAMA and the UN Human Rights Office warned that these forced returns breach the principle of non-refoulement and represent serious violations of international law.
• UNHCR projects that up to three million additional Afghans could be sent back this year, deepening a multi-layered humanitarian crisis under Taliban governance.