Germany Faces Criticism From Amnesty Over Afghan Deportations

Germany has come under fire from human rights groups for deporting 28 Afghan nationals back to their home country for the first time since 2021 Taliban takeover, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

Amnesty International Germany has warned that these deportations could implicate Germany in human rights violations and support for the Taliban regime.

The German government defended the deportations, citing security concerns and adherence to the law. However, Amnesty International has emphasized the ongoing risks of extrajudicial killings and torture in Afghanistan, urging Germany to reconsider its policy towards Afghan migrants.

The deportations were facilitated by Qatar, which has been acting as an intermediary between the Taliban and the international community. This move comes amid rising anti-immigration sentiment in Germany, particularly in the wake of recent attacks.

Critics argue that returning individuals to a dangerous environment like Afghanistan is a violation of their human rights. They have called on the German government to halt these deportations and provide safe alternatives for Afghan migrants.

The forcible transfer of “so-called ‘dangerous individuals’ and criminals to Afghanistan and Syria shows politics is far removed from international law”, said Amnesty International in Germany. “We all have human rights – and no one should be deported to a country where there is risk of torture.”