Human Rights Coalition Urges Pakistan to Cease Afghan Migrant Deportations
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Human rights groups have called on Pakistan to stop the forced deportation of Afghan migrants, citing violations of international law and refugee protections. The situation has worsened, with mass arrests and deportations affecting vulnerable populations, including women and children.
Key Takeaways
- Human rights groups demand an end to forced deportations.
- Afghan migrants face high visa fees and legal challenges.
- Pregnant women and children are among those at risk.
- International laws are allegedly being violated.
- Urgent call for legal protections for Afghan women and girls.
Kabul, March 2 (NationPress) A coalition of human rights organizations and refugee advocacy groups has urged Pakistan to promptly cease the forced deportation of Afghan migrants, as reported by various media outlets.
They asserted that this policy contravenes international law and Pakistan's obligations regarding refugee protection, according to local Afghan media Amu TV on Sunday.
In an open letter addressed to the Pakistani government, they condemned the mass arrests and forced displacements of Afghan migrants, emphasizing that these individuals fled their homeland to escape persecution, oppression, and repression.
This appeal came on the heels of Pakistan's announcement of March 31, 2025, as the deadline for Afghan migrants to either leave voluntarily or risk forced expulsion. Many of these migrants are currently awaiting resettlement in nations such as the United States, Germany, Australia, France, and Britain.
The letter also criticized the exorbitant visa fees imposed on Afghan migrants in Pakistan, stating that the looming threat of deportation has exacerbated their struggles.
The organization raised alarms regarding the conduct of Pakistani police, who have apprehended several human rights activists and even deported unaccompanied children. Those at immediate risk of deportation include pregnant women and individuals with disabilities.
In their correspondence, they alleged that Afghans possessing valid visas and legal residency permits have faced forced deportation by Pakistan. They also highlighted the gender-based violence encountered by Afghan women and girls within detention centers in Pakistan.
The organization accused Pakistan of breaching international law.
They implored both the Pakistani government and the international community to adhere to international law and prevent forced deportation. Additionally, they called for legal protections for Afghan women and girls who are enduring violence in detention facilities.
Previous reports have detailed the dire situation of Afghan migrants, including numerous women and children, who have been apprehended by police across various Pakistani cities and forcibly deported.
For decades, migrants from Afghanistan have sought refuge in Pakistan, fleeing from conflict and war in their homeland. Following the Taliban's resurgence in 2021, millions of Afghans sought asylum in Pakistan out of fear of persecution.
In recent years, conditions for migrants have worsened, with Pakistani authorities resorting to abusive tactics and mass deportations.
