Afghans show solidarity as returns surge

AT THE border with Iran, Fatima Rezaei distributes food and hygiene products to Afghans forced to return, unable to passively stand by as the deportation crisis grows.

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The 22-year-old is one of many Afghan volunteers rallying to help their compatriots, despite having little themselves.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 1.6 million Afghans, including many children, have returned after being deported or driven out of Iran, which accuses them of pushing up unemployment and crime.

"It doesn’t matter whether you have a lot of money or not. I don't have much, but with the help of Afghans here and abroad, we manage," said Rezaei.

The number of crossings at the Islam Qala border has reached 30 000 on several days, peaking at 50 000 on July 4, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

In response, residents of the western region have mobilised, partly thanks to donations sent by Afghans living in Europe or North America.