UNICEF Warns of Rising Risks for Afghan Children Returning From Iran

UNICEF in Afghanistan has expressed concern about the situation of children returning from Iran amid the ongoing conflict there. The agency warned that the developments are creating serious challenges for vulnerable families arriving at Afghan borders.

Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, said in a statement on Tuesday that the fighting in Iran has created immediate dangers for children crossing the border.

According to UNICEF, many families with children are returning unexpectedly and facing uncertain futures after arriving in Afghanistan, often without clear plans or resources to support themselves.

The agency warned that as the number of returnees increases, the risks facing children will also grow, particularly for those in need of urgent health care and humanitarian assistance.

Oyewale said many returnees described extremely difficult journeys filled with uncertainty, with families arriving confused and urgently seeking basic information and support.

In 2025 alone, around three million Afghan migrants were returned from neighboring countries, and about 60 percent of them were families with children.

During the peak of returns last year, UNICEF said it supported more than 8,000 unaccompanied or separated children arriving from Iran and Pakistan.

The organization also warned that the challenges do not end at the border, as returning families often move to communities where basic services such as healthcare, education, and shelter are already under severe pressure.

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