Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has issued a strong statement condemning the forced deportation of Afghan citizens, describing it as a serious violation of international law and the principles of the Refugee Convention.
Kabul 24: As the pace of forced returns of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, continues to accelerate, Türk warned that persisting with such policies not only contradicts states’ legal obligations but could also lead to severe humanitarian consequences.
He stressed that many of these individuals are being returned to Afghanistan where their personal safety and livelihood remain under serious threat.
According to United Nations statistics, since the beginning of 2025, nearly 270,000 Afghan migrants — mostly from Iran and Pakistan — have been sent back to Afghanistan.
A significant portion of these returns have been involuntary and carried out under pressure from local authorities. This figure comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face grave security, economic, and humanitarian challenges.
Many international observers argue that the country is not prepared to absorb such a large number of returnees.In his remarks, Volker Türk reminded governments of their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its additional protocols.
These agreements prohibit states from returning individuals to places where their life or freedom would be threatened due to persecution, conflict, or serious violations of fundamental rights. He labeled forced deportations as “inhumane” and urged host countries to review their policies, shifting away from coercive measures toward sustainable and voluntary solutions.
This strong position by the UN comes amid numerous reports highlighting the difficult conditions faced by returnees.
Many families encounter severe shortages of basic services, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Some have even been forced to leave their homes again shortly after returning.
Human rights experts warn that the pressure on Afghan migrants is not only a humanitarian issue but could also destabilize the wider region.
Volker Türk called on the international community to provide targeted humanitarian assistance and support reintegration programs to prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
In conclusion, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized that respect for refugee and migrant rights is a binding legal commitment that must not be sacrificed for short-term political or security considerations.
