The British public learned far too late about a massive accidental data breach by officials three years ago that endangered up to 100,000 Afghans—some of whom had worked with British forces—putting them at risk of torture and death. As a result, thousands were quietly relocated to the UK. A court order kept the story hidden for nearly two years.
But this security failure is just one example of how Afghans have been abandoned since the Taliban took Kabul in 2021. Many now face new dangers as the countries they fled to push them out. Hopes of a more moderate Taliban were quickly dashed by their brutal gender apartheid and persecution of minorities. Three-quarters of Afghans struggle to survive, with women especially vulnerable. Aid is shrinking, while drought and the loss of remittances worsen the crisis.
This year alone, nearly 2 million Afghan refugees and migrants in neighboring countries have returned—or been forced back—including thousands of unaccompanied children. Over 1.5 million have left Iran in 2025, as Tehran accelerated deportations after its conflict with Israel. Pakistan began expelling unregistered Afghans in late 2023 following militant attacks but has since targeted even those with documents. Many have never lived in Afghanistan—their families fled decades ago. Some are forcibly removed, while others face threats or harassment.
The U.S. has moved to strip temporary protected status from nearly 12,000 Afghans, though a court has temporarily blocked the decision. Tajikistan has also ordered Afghans to leave.
UN experts warn that returning judges, activists, journalists, and minorities face grave risks. Women and girls are sent back to a country where they’re banned from education and public life, with just 10% having access to basic healthcare. Female-headed households are pushed into poverty, and women’s rights activists risk imprisonment or death.
Pakistan and Iran must stop forcing Afghans back, but other nations share responsibility. Poorer countries bear the refugee burden alone, while resettlement programs in Germany and Australia stall. This is a triple failure: failing to resettle those most at risk, failing to support them abroad, and failing to help returnees. Western nations must honor their promises to Afghans.
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
