A recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has surfaced alarming evidence of intensified abusive tactics against Afghan refugees in Pakistan, driven by a looming deportation deadline of March 31. The international community is urged to prevent the forced return of these individuals to Afghanistan, where dangers from the Taliban abound, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and human rights advocates.
Fereshta Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at HRW, highlighted the precarious situation for women activists facing deportation: “If you’re a female protester right now in Pakistan, on the 31st of March, there’s a chance that you could be deported or forced to return to Afghanistan.” Many refugees are already at risk of detention or worse under Taliban rule, escalating fears among Afghan populations in Pakistan.
Approximately 3.7 million Afghans reside in Pakistan, many having sought refuge during past conflicts. The Pakistani Interior Ministry has mandated that all undocumented Afghans and citizens holding specific forms of identification must leave the country by the end of March or face expulsion starting April 1. This decision has sparked trepidation among those with legal status, as the impact on them remains uncertain.
Pakistani authorities have engaged in alarming practises, including raids on homes, arbitrary detentions, and demands for bribes to allow continued residence. HRW raises serious human rights concerns, indicating that these actions may violate international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture. Disturbingly, Afghan children have been targeted, separated from their families in the chaos of deportation.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW, stressed the need for Pakistan’s officials to cease coercive actions and enable refugees to seek protection instead. With a significant portion of returnees consisting of women and children—often facing severe restrictions on their freedoms under Taliban rule—the urgency of international intervention becomes paramount.
As conditions in Afghanistan deteriorate—with millions requiring food aid and a collapsing health system—countries such as Canada are urged to respond effectively. Canada has welcomed over 55,000 Afghans since August 2021, seeking to expedite processing for those at risk. The situation remains dire as HRW calls for immediate actions to protect Afghan refugees facing potential deportation.
Human Rights Watch reports increased abusive tactics against Afghan refugees in Pakistan as a deportation deadline approaches. The organisation calls for international intervention, highlighting the perilous situation in Afghanistan, especially for women activists. Pakistan has mandated all undocumented Afghans leave by March 31, raising fears of deportations and human rights violations. Canada is one of the nations monitoring the situation closely, working to expedite resettlements for at-risk Afghans.
In summary, Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing escalating threats in the lead-up to a critical deportation deadline, prompting calls for urgent international intervention. With human rights abuses reportedly on the rise, particularly towards women and children, the warning signs suggest a grim future for those forced back to Afghanistan amidst a humanitarian crisis. Countries like Canada are urged to expedite resettlement processes as conditions worsen.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
