The Human Rights Organisation HANA has warned that continued deportations of undocumented Afghans from Iran could expose women and children to serious protection risks after their return to Afghanistan.

In a report published August 10, HANA said deported children could face family separation, disrupted education, lack of legal identity, exploitation and unsafe living conditions. According to The Khaama Press News Agency, Afghan women and girls could face additional risks because of restrictions on education, employment and movement, as well as inadequate support networks.

HANA said the classification of Afghans as undocumented should not replace individual assessments of protection needs. It called for legal safeguards and humanitarian support before returns take place.

Iran’s Interior Ministry said August 9 that about 2mn undocumented or unregistered Afghans had been deported since the start of Iranian year 1404 in March 2025. The ministry said the campaign was continuing.

The scale of returns has increased pressure on Afghanistan’s strained humanitarian system. UNHCR data showed 315,800 Afghans had been deported from Iran in 2026 as of July 11, accounting for more than 83% of recorded deportations to Afghanistan from neighbouring countries during the period.

UNHCR has advised countries to suspend forced returns where individuals face protection risks and identified women and girls as particularly vulnerable. It has provided eligible returnees from Iran with protection assessments, healthcare, accommodation and limited financial assistance for those with heightened protection needs.