Escalating Middle East Tensions Force Afghan Families to Return Home, UNICEF Warns of Child Vulnerability

Kathmandu. Increasing conflict and instability in the Middle East are forcing Afghan families residing in Iran to return to their homeland. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has stated that the condition of children accompanying these large numbers of returnees is becoming extremely precarious. According to UNICEF, many families arriving at border areas appear extremely tired, anxious, and in need of basic support.The number of Afghan families returning from Iran has significantly increased recently at various entry points, including the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province in western Afghanistan. Since most families were forced to travel suddenly, they lack...