UN warns Pakistan on forcibly deporting Afghans, such plans…

The United Nations warned on Saturday that forcibly deporting Afghans from Pakistan could lead to serious human rights violations, including the separation of families and deportation of minors. Pakistan recently announced a crackdown on immigrants living in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans. They were asked to return to their home countries by 31 October to avoid mass arrests and deportations. The government denies targeting Afghans and says the focus is on those who are in the country illegally, regardless of nationality. It said it was setting up a hotline and offering rewards to people who provide information to authorities about such migrants.

UN agencies said Afghanistan is facing a serious humanitarian crisis with many rights challenges, especially for women and girls, who are banned by the Taliban from education beyond the sixth grade, most public spaces and many jobs. Such plans would have a serious impact on all those who are forced to leave the country and may face serious security risks upon returning.

They acknowledged Pakistan’s sovereign prerogative over domestic policies and said they were ready to help register and manage Afghan nationals, including those who may need international protection. The International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency called on countries to “suspend the forced return of Afghan nationals and ensure any potential return to the country is safe, dignified and voluntary.”