KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.N. refugee company has warned that Afghans may die in harsh winter situations in the event that they don’t get ample shelter as soon as they cross the border from Pakistan.

Virtually half one million Afghans have left Pakistan since early October, when the Islamabad authorities introduced it will arrest and deport foreigners it mentioned had been within the nation illegally. The overwhelming majority of them are from neighboring Afghanistan, although Islamabad insists the coverage doesn’t goal a particular nationality.

The compelled returns are piling stress on Afghanistan and support companies, that are offering the majority of important companies like well being care. Freezing temperatures are setting in and situations on the border stay dire.

“Many Afghan returnees are susceptible, together with ladies and kids, who may lose their lives in a harsh winter if left with out ample shelter,” the U.N. refugee company mentioned in a report printed Friday. “Folks arriving on the border are exhausted and require pressing help in addition to psychosocial help.”

Households informed the company they had been apprehensive that colder winter temperatures in sure areas, notably mountainous areas, could forestall them from returning house straight away.

“Many are arriving with sickness, for instance bronchitis, because of the chilly climate and the troublesome journey from Pakistan,” the company mentioned in a message to The Related Press on Sunday. “They might not have all their belongings, together with clothes, and subsequently be unable to guard themselves from the weather.”

It mentioned that amongst these returning to Afghanistan are households who’ve by no means lived within the nation. They’ve been dwelling in Pakistan for a number of generations and will not have houses or prolonged household to return to.

Money to pay hire is required, whereas households with some current social networks may stick with household or buddies. Others could return to houses needing restore. The company mentioned it’ll present tents to such households.

“For many who have nowhere to go, with restricted means, they might keep in camps, established close to the border,” the refugee company mentioned.

A Taliban committee mentioned it’s distributing meals, water, SIM playing cards, clothes and money at two key border crossings: Torkham and Spin Boldak. Households are additionally studying about Afghanistan, the Islamic system, momentary dwelling preparations, registration and relocation, the committee mentioned Sunday.

However excessive temperatures and restricted entry to scrub water and sanitation have led to a surge in infectious illnesses and malnutrition.

U.N. Ladies mentioned there are extra challenges for Afghan ladies and women leaving Pakistan as they should take care of Taliban restrictions that would have an effect on their mobility and entry to data and companies in the event that they don’t have a male family member. It expressed related issues after October’s lethal earthquakes in Afghanistan‘s west.

The company mentioned round 80% of Afghans returning by Torkham and Spin Boldak are ladies and kids.

In its newest report, additionally printed Friday, it mentioned many ladies have lived by “distressing experiences” in Pakistan together with being the victims of unlawful detention, witnessing their partner or relations be arrested, or being separated from relations and returning to Afghanistan alone.

Ladies informed U.N. companies they had been “compelled” handy their possessions over in trade for transportation, depart all their belongings behind or noticed their revenue taken by Pakistani authorities.

The crackdown is vastly controversial and has drawn condemnation from rights teams, the Taliban, support companies and the U.N.