HERAT, Afghanistan — The head of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Jan Egeland, expressed deep concern over the plight of Afghan migrants deported from Iran, reporting that 3,000 individuals returned via the Islam Qala border crossing on Sunday.
“Most told me they have nothing to return to and must start from scratch in a country where 22 million already need aid,” Egeland wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. He added that the NRC and other humanitarian organizations are providing relief and counseling at the border.
The deportations come amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where millions face poverty and food insecurity. “Today, more than 3,000 deported Afghans had to cross back from Iran here at Islam Qala border crossing,” Egeland said, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
Egeland also highlighted the deprivation faced by Afghan girls, describing their situation as “heartbreaking.” Sharing his observations from Herat, he noted that many teenage girls, barred from schooling beyond primary level, have been forced into child labor.
“These girls in Herat, Afghanistan, are denied education beyond primary school and have to weave carpets instead,” Egeland wrote, referring to his visit where he met female students unable to attend secondary schools or universities.
The Taliban have imposed sweeping bans on girls’ education, prohibiting them from attending schools above grade six and universities, a policy that has drawn global condemnation.
Egeland’s remarks come as Afghanistan faces mounting pressure from human rights organizations and aid groups to address the dual crises of mass deportations and educational restrictions. The NRC continues to work at the forefront, offering critical assistance to those most affected.
