UNICEF has renewed its call for Afghan migrant returns to be safe, voluntary, dignified, and gradual following a deadly traffic accident in Herat province that killed 80 people, including 19 children.
Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, said on Thursday, August 21, that the tragedy highlights the urgent need to prioritize the safety and well-being of migrants.
He recalled his recent visit to the Islam Qala border crossing, where he met Afghan children and families who, he said, appeared “shaken and traumatized, yet hopeful” as they reentered the country.
Human rights organizations and aid agencies have echoed UNICEF’s appeal, emphasizing the need to safeguard migrant rights and ensure that returns are carried out under appropriate humanitarian conditions.
The Guzara crash has intensified pressure on Afghan authorities and neighboring states to manage repatriations more responsibly. International organizations are urging governments to place protection and dignity above political or logistical considerations.
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with instability, UNICEF and other humanitarian bodies stress that repatriation processes must go beyond ensuring physical safety. They must also uphold the dignity, rights, and long-term prospects of returnees.
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