Geneva, 17 Oct 2023:UN Special Rapporteurs today called on Pakistan to immediately halt its plans to deport over 1.4 million Afghan nationals by 1 November. Pakistan, which has been a host to millions of Afghans for decades, recently declared that all undocumented foreign nationals must leave the country by the given date.

The impending deportations primarily concern Afghan nationals who sought refuge in Pakistan due to severe human rights issues and a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The experts expressed grave concerns over the possibility of returning Afghan nationals, including families, women, and children, to an environment where they might face severe human rights abuses.

Highlighting the principle of non-refoulement, the experts emphasized that this principle prohibits the forced return of individuals to countries where they could face torture or other serious human rights violations. They reminded Pakistan of its obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, a treaty to which Pakistan is a signatory.

Moreover, the experts had previously, in a letter dated 23 December 2021, urged Pakistan to suspend the deportations of Afghan nationals, especially after the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan. They stressed the importance of assessing the individual human rights protection needs of these nationals according to international standards.

Reports of mistreatment, arrests, and exploitation of Afghans residing in Pakistan, particularly after the announcement of the repatriation plans, have also been brought to the fore. The experts urged Pakistan to prioritize those with the most pressing protection needs, including Afghan women, girls, elderly, former government officials, human rights defenders, and media workers. This information was provided by the United Nation Human Rights.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s long-standing support to Afghan nationals, the experts emphasized the positive impacts Afghans have made in Pakistan. They also urged the international community to facilitate the safe resettlement of at-risk Afghans in other nations.

Finally, the experts called on Pakistan to maintain its cooperation with relevant UN entities to ensure protection for those seeking refuge within its borders.