Since August 2021, Afghanistan has faced a complex humanitarian situation marked by insecurity, economic decline, and restrictions on fundamental rights, particularly affecting women and girls. In this context, many Afghans continue to leave the country through mixed migration routes. The need for protection and assistance for Afghans in mixed migration has become increasingly urgent, as many face heightened risks and limited access to essential services along their journeys.

This paper, Protection and Assistance for Afghans in Mixed Migration, draws on quantitative data from 2,873 4Mi surveys and qualitative data from 17 in-depth interviews conducted with Afghans in Pakistan and Türkiye between September 2023 and September 2024. It provides insights into the challenges migrants face before, during, and after their journeys, and outlines the layered drivers behind their decision to migrate, including insecurity, economic hardship, and gender-based restrictions.

The findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen protection and assistance measures throughout the migration journey. Many migrants experience serious risks such as physical violence, detention, extortion, and gender-specific threats, particularly in remote or high-risk areas where formal humanitarian support is often unavailable.

By presenting evidence from the perspectives of Afghan migrants, this paper calls for more inclusive, gender-responsive, and coordinated responses from stakeholders working in humanitarian assistance and migration governance.

Download the full paper on Protection and Assistance for Afghans in Mixed Migration to better understand the protection risks and support needs of Afghans in mixed migration contexts.