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Over 5 Million Afghans Return, Straining Relief Efforts

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

More than five million Afghans have returned since late 2023, per the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), straining relief efforts amid hunger and instability.
Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative, says the returns account for about 12% of Afghanistan's population and may be unsustainable.
In 2025, 2.9 million Afghans returned, with 150,000 arriving in early 2026.
The United Nations requires $216 million to assist returnees but is only 8% funded.

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Story summary

More than five million Afghans have returned since late 2023, per the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), straining relief efforts amid hunger and instability.
Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative, says the returns account for about 12% of Afghanistan's population and may be unsustainable.
In 2025, 2.9 million Afghans returned, with 150,000 arriving in early 2026.
The United Nations requires $216 million to assist returnees but is only 8% funded.