The United Nations refugee and migration agencies have raised alarms over Pakistan's recent decision to deport thousands of Afghan refugees. These individuals, many of whom are awaiting resettlement in the United States, are now facing uncertainty as Pakistan threatens deportation unless their cases are expedited.
As of last week, the Pakistani government stated its intention to return these refugees to Afghanistan unless international agreements for their resettlement are honored swiftly. This move has prompted UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to seek urgent clarification from Pakistani authorities. Both agencies stress the importance of adhering to existing protocols that protect refugees at risk, especially those who have served as allies to global organizations, including media, aid agencies, and rights groups.
Among the refugees in limbo are approximately 20,000 Afghans approved for resettlement in the U.S. This cohort represents a fraction of the tens of thousands who fled Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Unfortunately, the process has stalled significantly due to the U.S. pausing its refugee admissions program, an initiative initially established to assist individuals endangered by their associations with American efforts in the region.
A non-return advisory issued by the UNHCR in 2021 urged all countries to halt forced returns of Afghan nationals, highlighting risks of persecution, particularly for ethnic minorities, journalists, and women's rights activists. This advisory underscores the potential threats faced by those forcibly returned to Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan recently greenlit the expulsion of undocumented Afghans from key cities such as Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with expectations set for relocations to occur before the end of March. The move has caused significant distress within the Afghan community in Pakistan, with increased arrests reported since the start of the year.
Further complicating the situation, the Trump administration's decision to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program from January has left many hopeful Afghans in a state of shock. The suspension, set for at least three months, affects thousands of refugees who had anticipated relocation to safer environments.
While efforts to manage the presence of Afghan nationals in Pakistan are ongoing, the U.N. agencies urge Pakistani authorities to uphold human rights standards and due process. They call for the legal recognition of individuals holding Proof of Registration (POR) and Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), who have established long-standing connections in Pakistan.
In their appeal, the UNHCR and IOM praise Pakistan's history of refugee support, emphasizing the nation's role in saving lives during critical times. Philippa Candler, UNHCR's representative in Pakistan, expressed gratitude for Pakistan's efforts and encouraged continued collaboration with international bodies to create safe pathways for refugees.
Mio Sato, Chief of Mission for IOM, highlighted the potential for cooperative measures that ensure international protection and tailored solutions for vulnerable Afghan nationals. She emphasized the importance of recognizing socioeconomic and familial ties that many refugees have developed in Pakistan.
The current situation underscores a complex challenge involving international obligations, humanitarian concerns, and the quest for a resolution that respects both human rights and national interests. The global community continues to watch closely, hopeful for a comprehensive and humane solution to the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
