Pakistan's Plan to Deport Afghan Refugees Sparks International Outcry

Source: Capital FM Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 6 - Reacting to the Pakistani government's announcement of an escalated deportation plan for Afghan refugees post-Eid-ul-Fitr, James Jennion, a Campaigner for Refugee and Migrants' Rights at Amnesty International, condemned the move, citing grave concerns over human rights violations and the risk of persecution in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Jennion emphasized the distressing disregard shown by Pakistani authorities towards the dire situation awaiting Afghan refugees in their home country.

He criticized the decision to extend the deportation drive to Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, labeling it a violation of refugee and international human rights law.

The 'Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan' has drawn sharp criticism for endangering the lives of over 800,000 Afghan refugees across Pakistan and threatening further harassment and detentions after Ramadan.

Amnesty International underscored the plan's breach of non-refoulement principles and highlighted its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups such as women, journalists, and human rights defenders.

Furthermore, the organization called for immediate reversal of the decision and urged Pakistan to enact laws safeguarding refugee rights in alignment with international standards.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan have faced challenges since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, including arbitrary detentions and threats of deportation.

The phased repatriation plan, initiated in October 2023, has exacerbated tensions, with ACC holders now facing expulsion post-Eid Al-Fitr, followed by UNHCR-issued Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders.

Despite some returns to Afghanistan, concerns persist over the safety of those remaining in Pakistan, with discrepancies in government and UNHCR estimates regarding refugee numbers. Amnesty International's ongoing advocacy underscores the urgent need for a humane approach to refugee policy in Pakistan.