UNHCR Calls on Pakistan to Halt Deportation of Vulnerable Afghan Refugees

UNHCR Calls on Pakistan to Halt Deportation of Vulnerable Afghan Refugees
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The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged Pakistan to halt the deportation of vulnerable Afghan refugees, expressing serious concern over the country’s decision to deport refugees with temporary residence permits, Khaama Press reported.

In a statement, the UNHCR specifically called for the protection of individuals in need of international protection, with particular concern for the forced returns of women, girls, students, and those with medical conditions. The agency warned that deporting women and girls could expose them to severe violations of their fundamental rights under the Taliban regime.

While the UNHCR welcomed Pakistan’s one-month grace period, it emphasized the need to use this time to assess individual cases and uphold humanitarian principles. The agency appealed to Pakistan to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to a place where their lives or freedom could be at risk. The UNHCR called for a rights-based approach to ensure displaced Afghans are treated with dignity and protected from further harm, given the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan.