UNHCR Afghanistan Situation Regional Update April 2026

Countries: Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan, Tajikistan Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. The operational environment in Afghanistan remained volatile in April, amid continued returns from Iran and Pakistan, cross-border tensions, flooding and movement restrictions. Reception capacity at key border points remained strained, while shelling, drone activity and unexploded ordnance incidents along eastern and southern border areas disrupted civilian life. Damage to civilian infrastructure further complicated humanitarian access and assistance delivery in some areas. Restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities, including measures affecting national female staff access to United Nations premises and certain field locations, continued to hamper protectionsensitive programming. In Iran, regional tensions and insecurity heightened protection risks for refugees and host communities. Although a ceasefire was reached on 8 April following weeks of conflict, the situation remained volatile, with sporadic security incidents and strikes on infrastructure affecting movements and access in some areas. Despite operational constraints, UNHCR maintained presence in Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Kerman, and at the Dogharoun border, enabling critical monitoring, documentation, protection and assistance. In Pakistan, deportation pressures, stricter residency enforcement and increased security monitoring continued to shape the operational environment for Afghans, regardless of status. While all 54 refugee villages have now been de-notified (formally closed), 21 have been vacated, further underscoring the shrinking protection space. Authorities continued to prioritize voluntary repatriation and facilitate returns under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriatio...

Original source: Relief Web