UN calls for an end to forced deportations of Afghan refugees.
The UN Human Rights Office has once again warned against the continuation of forced deportations of Afghan refugees from host countries and called for an immediate end to this process.
In a press conference, Shabia Manto, a spokeswoman for the organization, announced that thousands of Afghan refugees, who have sought refuge in other countries to protect their lives and future, are being returned to Afghanistan against their will; a country that, according to her, continues to face security threats and widespread human rights violations.
She emphasized that among the forced returnees, there are also women and girls, journalists, civil society activists, former government employees, former security forces and members of sexual minorities; people who may face the risk of reprisals, repression and severe restrictions upon return.
According to the spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, the forced deportation of refugees who face serious risk is contrary to fundamental principles of international law and the humanitarian obligations of states. He added that countries should not return people to an environment where their security, freedom and human dignity are threatened.
Previously, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, had warned against the increase in the deportation of Afghan refugees, saying that their forced return could have dangerous and irreversible consequences.
The UN has called on host countries to adhere to humanitarian principles and international obligations, and to refrain from any action that endangers the lives and future of these people, instead of increasing pressure on Afghan refugees.
Report by Shahbanu Noori
UN calls for an end to forced deportations of Afghan refugees.
