An Afghan woman, referenced as Mina, has faced a distressing setback as her asylum plea in the UK has been denied by the Home Office. Despite her extensive involvement in women’s rights initiatives and mentoring across Afghanistan, officials determined that she poses “no risk” from the Taliban if sent back. Mina’s work positioned her in significant danger, even prior to the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, leaving her anxious about the potential return to a hostile environment.
Mina expressed disbelief at the rejection, highlighting her identity as a woman from Afghanistan who collaborated with Western governments; she had expected her plea to be approved. Recalling her harrowing experiences, she mentioned undergoing security training due to the constant threat of violence. “Every day I was a few minutes or a few seconds away from bomb blasts,” she shared, further detailing the serious threat she had faced, including the systematic changes that have eliminated spaces for women in society under the Taliban.
The approval rates for Afghan asylum seekers in the UK have plummeted dramatically in recent years, dropping from a staggering 98.5% in late 2023 to just 36% by the close of 2024. This shift has led to the rejection of numerous claims; only 48 Afghan cases were denied in the last quarter of 2023, compared to 2,000 since.
Mina described the refusal as a shocking blow, as fear now clouds her thoughts concerning deportation back to Afghanistan where she previously felt dehumanised. “I learnt to ride a bicycle here, something I was not allowed to do in my country,” she recalled sadly, reflecting on her lost hope for a brighter future.
Despite Mina’s articulated fears and the oppressive regime she fled, Home Office officials concluded they did not see grounds for significant threat upon her return, citing her previous profession as a reason for a strong support network. However, Mina contested these claims, noting that most individuals she relied on had either fled or were in hiding. Her solicitor Jamie Bell voiced outrage at the dismissive reasoning, arguing that such rejection undermines the sacrifices made by those defending Western ideals in Afghanistan.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “It is our longstanding policy not to comment on individual cases.” This has raised concerns about the UK’s commitment to safeguarding those in dire need of protection.
Mina, an Afghan civil rights defender, has had her asylum claim rejected by the UK Home Office, which claimed she faces “no risk” from the Taliban. Despite her extensive work in advocating for women’s rights, the approval rates for Afghan asylum seekers have drastically decreased. Mina expressed her shock and fear of returning to Afghanistan, where she would face severe dangers due to her past work. Her solicitor criticized the decision as an insult to those fighting for Western values.
The case of Mina highlights the serious challenges Afghan asylum seekers face in the UK, especially regarding the stark reduction in approval rates. As a woman who dedicated herself to advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan, her rejection underscores the UK’s shifting stance on asylum claims and the broader implications for those fleeing oppression. Mina’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by women like her and the responsibility the UK has to provide sanctuary.
Original Source: www.gbnews.com
