Switzerland Denies Ethnic-Based Deportation Plans for Afghan Pashtuns

Switzerland has firmly denied reports suggesting it plans to deport Afghan refugees based on Pashtun ethnicity, calling such claims “completely unfounded,” Khaama Press reported.

The clarification came from Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. in Geneva after a Swiss newspaper, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, cited internal discussions about potential refugee returns.

Swiss authorities emphasized no changes to asylum or deportation policies, stating ethnicity was never a criterion. “The allegations misinterpret hypothetical planning documents,” said the Afghan mission, quoting Swiss officials. Mohibullah Tayeb, a human rights officer, expressed confidence that Switzerland would uphold its human rights commitments.

U.N. Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett echoed the reassurance, condemning any link between Pashtun identity and Taliban affiliation as “discriminatory and harmful.” The original report had sparked outcry among Afghan activists, who warned ethnic-based deportations would violate international law.

While concerns have eased, Afghan diplomats vow to monitor the situation closely. Switzerland reiterated its commitment to non-discriminatory refugee protections.