Afghanistan Returnee Acute Joint Response

Information

Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe and complex humanitarian crises. Over half of the population—approximately 23 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to a combination of conflict, economic collapse, prolonged drought, high food insecurity, and widespread displacement.

The situation has been further exacerbated in 2025 by a sharp increase in the number of Afghans returning from neighbouring countries, as roughly 1.7 million Afghans have returned or been forced to return from Iran and Pakistan this year alone. These returns are placing immense pressure on already overstretched services, especially in border provinces and areas of high return, such as Herat. The crisis of returnees from Iran has escalated dramatically in recent months. Between 1 January and 9 July 2025, UNHCR recorded a total of 1,347,100 Afghan returnees from Iran, including 1,081,000 since 20 March; 59% were deportations; the majority (75%) is entering through the Islam-Qala border point. Between 3 and 9 July the average daily returns exceeded 37,000, peaking on 4 July with 50,000 returnees recorded on 1 day. There has also been a significant demographic shift in returnee profiles. Where previous months saw mainly single young men returning, recent weeks have seen a surge in families crossing the border—many with women, children, and elderly relatives.

As the humanitarian response in the border area remains severely under-resourced, the DRA is filling a critical gap to address the needs of the high number of returnees daily crossing the border into a country which can hardly sustain them.

The Joint Response

During the design, the DRA partners analysed the available data on both returnees being stuck at the border crossing and transit camps, as well as on their intended places to settle over the months to come. This resulted in a multi-location response, which allows to meet the acute needs of the most vulnerable returnees at the border, while also providing direct relief to people at risk who have been able to move on to other locations in Herat. The response directly covers needs in food, WASH, health, shelter, and cash, while all interventions are designed with a specific protection lens. The activities carried out under this Joint Response are the following:

• Food shortages returnees face at Islam Qala and Herat transit centres reached a critical level. To address immediate food insecurity, a one-time $75 food-restricted cash transfer will be provided to 1,500 households (HHs) at the border. This approach, coordinated with DRA partners offering MPCA, ensures broad coverage, aligns with FSAC guidance, and complements WFP and IOM efforts. In addition, 42,900 individuals will receive hot meals through community kitchens led by local women, providing a minimum of 2,100 kcal per person per day in both Islam Qala and Injil district.
• WASH services are severely overstretched. Two DRA partners will distribute gender-sensitive hygiene kits to 4,756 HHs and conduct hygiene promotion for 5,000 HHs. These efforts reduce health risks, restore dignity—particularly for women and girls—and prevent GBV risks linked to lack of hygiene items. Kits meet Cluster standards and include sanitary pads, soap, diapers, oral hygiene items, and jerricans. Awareness campaigns will use flyers, posters, helpdesks, and the child-focused “WASH UP!” program in the Islam Qala child-friendly space.
• Health needs are acute, with many returnees arriving ill or in poor physical condition. Essential primary healthcare will reach 30,278 individuals, including maternal, neonatal, child health, and immunisations. Mental health services will support 18,877 people, with referrals for specialized psychiatric care when needed. DRA partners have deployed mobile teams, including doctors, midwives, and counsellors, operating 24/7 in coordination with other actors. Health services will also be offered through the Shabash clinic and a newly activated emergency facility in Injil.
• Shelter and NFI support is critical as many live in makeshift or open-air conditions. In Zindajan district, 872 HHs (6,104 people) will receive shelter repairs and kits, while 1,000 HHs (7,000 people) will receive NFIs such as blankets, tarpaulins, and clothing to protect them from heat and upcoming seasonal changes.
• MPCA will be provided to vulnerable returnees, with $150 per HH to cover one month’s needs for five people. Distribution through hawala agents will be phased, using verified beneficiary lists, regular monitoring, and CWG reporting.
• Protection is integrated across all activities. Individual assistance (340), transport (700), disability access (1,800), and prosthesis repair (800) will be provided. Legal information and documentation guidance will reach 11,000 people. Help desks, staffed by both genders, will serve 250 people daily and remain active for five months.

The JR is planning to reach 143.780 people during this response.