Almost 500,000 returning Afghans in desperate need of food, shelter to survive winter, warn aid agencies

International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have issued a dire warning about the plight of nearly half a million Afghans who have recently returned to their homeland.

The Norwegian Refugee Council, alongside eight other aid agencies, is calling for increased international support to assist these individuals, predominantly women and children, as they face the harsh winter in Afghanistan.

Following Pakistan’s announcement three months ago regarding the deportation of undocumented foreigners, approximately 500,000 Afghans have made their way back across the border.

These returnees, now in Afghanistan, are confronted with a grim reality: a lack of basic necessities such as food, shelter, and employment opportunities.

Afghanistan’s protracted conflicts, recent earthquakes, and economic crises have left the country ill-equipped to support these returnees.

The NGOs emphasize that the well-being and survival of these families, especially those led by women, are at severe risk due to the lack of job opportunities and integration support.