In a joint statement, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reacted to the Pakistani government’s decision to deport “illegal” migrants and asylum seekers.
Kabul 24: In a statement published by these two organizations (Shanba, 15 Mizan), it is stated that “the forced return of Afghan nationals today could lead to severe human rights violence, separated families and deportation of minors”.
Referring to the Pakistani government’s plan to deport “illegal” immigrants and asylum seekers, the two institutions said that “such plans send serious messages to all those who want to leave their country and may face serious risks after returning.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have urged Pakistan to continue supporting vulnerable Afghan citizens seeking safety in the country and at risk if forced to return.
These institutions have announced their readiness to work with the Pakistani government to “develop a comprehensive and sustainable mechanism” to register and manage Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, including those who may need international support.
The two bodies have appreciated Pakistan’s “generous hospitality” to Afghan refugees for more than four decades and stressed that their return should be voluntary, safe and without any pressure to ensure the protection of those seeking safety.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration have also asked other countries to suspend the forced return of Afghan citizens.
The government of Pakistan has recently given migrants and asylum seekers, which it calls “unlawful”, a deadline of November 1 to leave the country, otherwise they will be forcibly deported.
With the new decision of the Pakistani government, more than one million Afghan refugees and migrants will be deported in that country.
