A number of former Afghan security and defense forces who are in Pakistan have issued a statement calling on the United Nations, NATO member states, and host governments to expedite their transfer and resettlement and prevent their forced deportation.

A number of former Afghan security and defense forces who are in Pakistan have issued a statement calling on the United Nations, NATO member states, and host governments to expedite their transfer and resettlement and prevent their forced deportation.

The statement, addressed to the United Nations, the High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Human Rights Council, NATO member states, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Spain, and other host countries, states that thousands of former Afghan soldiers and their families in Pakistan, following the fall of the previous government, are facing the risk of forced deportation, security threats, severe livelihood problems, and an uncertain future.

The signatories of the statement emphasized that they have fought alongside NATO forces and the international community in the fight against terrorism for years, and thousands of their colleagues have died, been injured, or been disabled in this way. According to them, these forces have played a role in ensuring the security of Afghanistan, the region, and the world.

The statement further calls on the United Nations and partner countries to fulfill their human and moral responsibility to the forces they served alongside by expediting the process of relocation and resettlement, preventing forced evictions, and providing immediate support.

Finally, the signatories stressed that saving the lives of former security and defense forces and their families is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also an obligation to honor the sacrifices of these individuals.

This call comes amid reports of growing concerns about the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran and the uncertain status of thousands of former soldiers who are still awaiting the review of their resettlement cases.