The silence of international organizations and the lack of effective response to the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan have become major concerns for human rights activists and Afghanistan’s civil society. In a press conference held today in Islamabad, these activists criticized the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other global institutions for their inattention, warning that this ongoing trend could lead to an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.
The activists stressed that the inaction of responsible organizations creates opportunities for governments to exploit the situation, violating the rights of refugees without fear of ethical or legal consequences. Thousands of Afghan refugees, including women and children, face the risk of arrest, deportation, and homelessness. Their lack of access to legal support and humanitarian services makes them increasingly vulnerable to violence and security crises.
Speakers at the event described the forced deportation of Afghan refugees as a blatant violation of human rights and international law. They highlighted that this practice has especially dire consequences for women and children. Women are at risk of human trafficking, sexual violence, and homelessness, while children are deprived of education and healthcare, facing severe physical and psychological harm.
At the conclusion of the event, human rights activists and civil society representatives issued a joint statement with four key demands:
Immediate Suspension of Forced Deportations: The Pakistani government must halt the deportation of refugees, especially women and children, and adhere to its international commitments.
Accountability from UNHCR: The UN refugee agency must take immediate action to provide the necessary legal and social support for Afghan refugees.
Provision of Humanitarian Aid: Shelter, food, and healthcare services must be provided for vulnerable groups, along with long-term solutions to the refugee crisis.
Protection for Human Rights Activists: Security and support must be ensured for human rights defenders who face serious threats during this crisis.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan face precarious and unsafe conditions due to a lack of legal documentation or the inability to afford visa renewal fees. Many live in remote areas or under inhumane conditions, fearing deportation or arrest. The situation is particularly dire for the elderly, the ill, and single-parent families.
Speakers emphasized the urgent need for international attention to this humanitarian crisis. They warned that continued silence will not only endanger thousands of lives but also pose broader security and social challenges for the region and the world.
The conference concluded with a call for respect for human rights and global solidarity to address the crisis. Human rights activists affirmed that Afghan refugees deserve the same basic rights and dignity as all human beings.
