Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to abandon its “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” which primarily affects Afghan refugees. This call comes in light of the notably low deportation rates for Afghans in March, largely due to border closures. Critics from Amnesty assert that the plan’s forced expulsions will only worsen the plight of many asylum seekers, already enduring significant hardships.
The organisation has condemned Pakistan’s March 31 ultimatum for Afghan refugees, emphasising that it violates international human rights principles, especially the principle of non-refoulement. Amnesty highlighted that the government’s rigid stance disregards the humanitarian needs of those affected, painting Afghan nationals unfairly as criminals.
Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, expressed her concerns, stating that the Pakistani authorities are scapegoating these vulnerable communities. Additionally, human rights lawyer Moniza Kakar emphasised the severe implications of the plan on long-time Afghan residents in Pakistan, stating, “Asking them to relocate means you’re asking them to leave homes, businesses, communities and lives they’ve built for years.”
The repatriation strategy threatens Afghan Citizen Card holders and undocumented refugees with immediate deportation, even jeopardising those awaiting resettlement in third countries. Lawyer Umer Gillani has argued against the legality of the March 31 deadline, labelling it merely an executive instruction rather than a law.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) noted a dramatic decline in the returns and deportations of Afghans during early March, with returns plummeting by 67% and deportations by 50% compared to the prior period. This trend raises further questions regarding the efficacy and ethics of Pakistan’s repatriation efforts.
Amnesty International has called on Pakistan to abandon its “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” affecting Afghan refugees, citing low deportation rates and potential violations of international law. The organisation criticises the government’s March 31 deadline, arguing it unjustly scapegoats Afghan nationals. Concerns are raised about the consequences for long-term residents and ongoing legal challenges to the deportation orders. The International Organisation for Migration reports a significant decrease in Afghan returns and deportations in March.
In conclusion, Amnesty International’s appeal to Pakistan underscores the serious implications of the proposed repatriation plan for Afghan refugees. The organisation points to violations of human rights principles and the detrimental effects on long-standing Afghan communities, making a compelling case against mass deportations. Legal uncertainties surrounding the enforcement of the deadline further complicate the situation, whilst recent statistics highlight a stark decline in deportations, suggesting potential challenges for the plan’s implementation.
Original Source: indiapost.com
