The Afghanistan Human Rights Defenders Committee (AHRDC) reported on Monday that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are experiencing a significant decline in their living conditions. New directives from Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department have intensified existing hardships, leading to increased harassment, extortion, and complex bureaucratic hurdles, particularly for those without legal documentation. Undocumented refugees are especially vulnerable, often forced to evade authorities, which places enormous psychological and economic burdens on them.
The precarious status of these refugees not only threatens their safety but also limits their ability to provide for their families. The AHRDC expressed concerns over Pakistan’s policies, highlighting the risks faced by Afghan human rights defenders who could be deported back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where their safety would be severely compromised. They called for urgent international action to protect Afghan refugees from harassment and forced repatriation.
The Afghan refugee situation in Pakistan is rooted in decades of conflict, with millions fleeing turmoil since the late 1970s. Pakistan has been a refuge for approximately 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees and an estimated additional million undocumented migrants. Initially welcoming due to humanitarian reasons, Pakistan’s approach has shifted over time due to evolving security threats and economic challenges, particularly with the rise of extremist groups.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, conditions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan have worsened. As fear and suspicion spread, many Afghans now face a hostile environment coupled with stricter immigration policies. The humanitarian situation is dire as Afghan refugees struggle with inadequate living conditions, lacking essential services. Families, particularly women and children, are at greater risk of violence and exploitation, underscoring the need for urgent global assistance.
The AHRDC reported a significant deterioration in the conditions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, exacerbated by new government directives. Undocumented migrants face harassment and increased risks, calling for urgent international intervention. The deteriorating situation is a result of decades of conflict and recent Taliban control, creating a humanitarian crisis that needs immediate global support.
The AHRDC’s report highlights the dire circumstances facing Afghan refugees in Pakistan amidst deteriorating conditions, particularly for those undocumented. Increased harassment and the threat of deportation amplify their vulnerabilities, making international advocacy and systemic reforms crucial. The humanitarian crisis necessitates urgent attention, emphasizing the protection of human rights for those fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.
The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan stems from years of conflict in Afghanistan, with millions escaping war since the late 1970s. Pakistan has become a primary haven, hosting millions of registered and undocumented Afghan refugees. Initially perceived as a humanitarian duty, Pakistan’s open policy towards refugees has tightened due to security concerns and economic pressures, particularly with increasing militant activities. The Taliban’s recent resurgence has aggravated the condition of Afghan refugees, forcing them into a precarious existence within a hostile atmosphere.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
