The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan remains one of the world’s leading sources of displaced people, even as a sharp increase in returns was recorded in 2025, according to the United Nations’ latest Global Trends Report.
Barham Salih said Afghanistan is among a small group of
countries—including Syria and Sudan—that account for more than 70 percent of
people in need of international protection globally.
The report highlighted a significant rise in returns to
Afghanistan, contributing to a global total of 14.7 million displaced people
who went back to their home areas or countries in 2025. However, it warned that
many of these returns occurred under pressure and in fragile conditions.
Despite the increase in returns, millions of Afghans remain
displaced or in need of protection, with many living in prolonged exile and
below the poverty line.
The report also noted that neighboring countries,
particularly Iran and Pakistan, continue to host large numbers of Afghan
refugees, ranking among the top refugee-hosting nations worldwide.
UN officials stressed that voluntary return must remain the
primary solution, while also calling for expanded opportunities such as
resettlement, humanitarian visas, and access to work and services in host
countries.
The findings underscore the ongoing humanitarian challenges
facing Afghanistan, where years of conflict, economic hardship, and
restrictions have contributed to sustained displacement and limited prospects
for safe and dignified returns.
