Pakistan should immediately cancel plans to
deport 1.4 million Afghan nationals back to their country,
independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council
urged on Tuesday.
The Government of Pakistan, which has hosted millions of Afghans
for decades, recently announced that all “undocumented” foreign
nationals must leave the country by 1 November or face
deportation to their countries of origin.
These plans would impact many Afghans who fled to Pakistan
seeking safety and protection due to serious human rights
concerns and the years-long humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
“Pakistan should stop all forced returns and continue to host
Afghan nationals who fled for safety,” the experts said.
“The Government must also ensure their full access to procedures
where their individual human rights protection needs and their
need for effective protection in line with international human
rights and refugee standards, are fully assessed,” they
added.
Concerns over refoulement
The experts expressed concern over the risk of refoulement, particularly
for Afghan nationals. They warned many families, women, and
children would be at risk of irreparable harm, including serious
human rights violations and abuses in their home country.
“We urge Pakistan to uphold the absolute and non-derogable
principle of non-refoulement and prevent collective expulsion and
forced return,” the experts said.
“We are also concerned by reports that Afghans living in Pakistan
have been subjected to arrests, exploitation and undignified
treatment, including since Pakistan announced its repatriation
plans.”
The prohibition of refoulement is explicitly included in
the Convention against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment, to which Pakistan is a State party.
Safe and dignified return
In a letter dated 23
December 2021, the group of UN experts urged Pakistan to halt
deportations of Afghan nationals following the Taliban takeover,
until the circumstances and human rights situation in Afghanistan
allows for the safe and dignified return of foreign nationals.
The experts also urged Pakistan to continue its collaboration
with relevant UN entities to ensure protection for those seeking
safety in the country.
Independent experts
Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights
Council and form part of what is known as its Special
Procedures. The experts are mandated to monitor and report on
specific thematic issues or country situations.
They serve in their individual capacity, are not UN staff, and do
not receive a salary.
