The Women’s Movement Network has strongly condemned the forced deportation of Afghan refugees and migrants in Pakistan, describing it as an “inhumane” act and a clear violation of human rights and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forced return of individuals to places where they may face serious danger.
In a statement released on Friday (26 Saratan) in Islamabad, the organization said that Pakistan is using the fate of Afghan refugees as a tool of political pressure against the Taliban. According to the network, the consequences of deteriorating relations between Islamabad and the Taliban are now being borne by women, civil society activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
The statement warned that if these individuals are returned to Afghanistan, they would face serious risks of detention, torture, enforced disappearance, and even death at the hands of the Taliban.
The Women’s Movement Network also criticized the silence of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Human Rights Council, and the international community, calling it “shameful.” According to the statement, continued engagement by the international community with the Taliban and efforts to normalize relations with the group have emboldened the Taliban.
The network also criticized officials and politicians from the former Afghan republic, saying that while they live in safe countries, impoverished Afghans are paying the price for their past policies and decisions.
The organization called on Pakistan to immediately halt the forced deportation of vulnerable Afghans and urged international organizations to take practical steps to ensure the safe and legal relocation of these individuals.
This comes as Pakistan began a nationwide campaign on July 10 to forcibly deport undocumented Afghan nationals, a process that is continuing at a rapid pace.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
