Over 1.3 mln Afghans return home so far in 2026-Xinhua - 新华网

KABUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- More than 1.3 million Afghans have returned from neighboring Iran and Pakistan so far in 2026, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday.

"Families are returning to communities where housing and basic services are already under severe strain. Winter is now adding another urgent need," said Mihyung Park, IOM's Chief of Mission in Afghanistan. "We need funding now to help families find shelter and keep warm before snow cuts access to remote areas."

The accelerating wave of returns is intensifying pressure on communities already stretched to breaking point.

The organization is appealing for donors to close an 8.8 million U.S. dollars inter-agency funding gap to deliver emergency shelter, winterization kits and essential household items before severe weather isolates vulnerable communities, internally displaced people and recent returnees. ■