Afghan Crisis Deepens: War Crime Victims Await Justice as Forced Returns Overwhelm Humanitarian Efforts
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has reached a critical juncture, with two pressing issues demanding immediate international attention: the unresolved pursuit of justice for war crime victims and the mass forced returns of vulnerable Afghans from Pakistan, according to articles published by Khaama Press.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed on May 19 that families of Afghan civilians unlawfully killed by foreign military forces during the 20-year conflict continue to await justice. Patricia Gossman, HRW’s Associate Asia Director, noted “slow and steady” progress from Australia and the UK, though efforts remain inadequate. Australia recently launched a multilingual complaint portal for victims’ families, but only one soldier has been prosecuted despite a 2020 report detailing widespread alleged war crimes. The UN criticized Australia’s compensation model as “charitable discretion” rather than a legal right. Meanwhile, the UK’s response has been even slower, with HRW urging decisive action to uphold international law.
Simultaneously, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported thousands of Afghans—including women and children—are being forcibly returned from Pakistan without adequate support. Since Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan” began, over 1 million Afghans have fled, many leaving behind savings and belongings. IOM teams are providing food, cash, healthcare, and psychosocial aid, but approximately half of returnees rely entirely on humanitarian assistance. The UNHCR, IOM, and UNICEF warn of strained resources in Afghanistan, where internal displacement and economic collapse exacerbate the crisis.
Both crises underscore systemic failures. HRW demands war crime accountability as a legal obligation, not charity, while IOM calls for global support to address returnees’ immediate needs and long-term reintegration. Without urgent intervention, Afghanistan’s humanitarian catastrophe will worsen, leaving countless lives in peril. The international community must act swiftly to uphold justice and dignity for Afghans.
