Middle East Conflict Worsens Hardship for Afghan Children Returning From Iran – UNICEF

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is worsening the humanitarian situation for Afghan children returning from Iran, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency warned that the crisis is increasing the risks faced by children as a growing number of Afghan families cross back into Afghanistan.

Many families are arriving through the Islam Qala Border Crossing in western Herat Province and other entry points after sudden journeys from Iran, often distressed and uncertain about their future.

The UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, Tajudeen Oyewale, said many mothers are reaching reception centres exhausted and in urgent need of assistance.

“We are already seeing too many mothers arriving at reception centres with their children, looking exhausted, overwhelmed and in need of immediate support,” Oyewale said.

He warned that the situation could deteriorate further if the number of arrivals continues to rise.

“If arrivals increase as expected, the risks facing children will grow as well,” he added.

According to UNICEF, nearly three million Afghans returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring countries in 2025, mainly from Iran and Pakistan. About 60 per cent of the returnees were families with children, placing additional pressure on already strained resources and support systems.

The agency has called for increased humanitarian assistance to meet the growing needs of returning families, including access to nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene services for children and their caregivers.