Geneva, Volker Türk, the UN Human Rights Chief, expressed alarm over reports of abuse against Afghan nationals who have been forced to leave Pakistan. These reports include allegations of ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detention, destruction of property, and extortion. This follows Pakistan’s order for undocumented foreigners, including Afghans, to leave the country by 1 November this year, resulting in over 327,000 people arriving in Afghanistan from Pakistan.
According to the United Nations Human Rights, despite a Pakistani government circular stating that Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) and Afghan Citizen Cards should only be repatriated voluntarily, there have been complaints of this directive being disregarded. Türk noted that these recent actions contradict Pakistan’s long-standing tradition of hosting Afghan refugees. The UN Human Rights Office has received first-hand accounts from Afghans who allege arbitrary treatment and abuse by Pakistani authorities. One individual recounted a night raid by local police, where valuables were seized, and their home was destroyed.
Türk emphasized the dire situation of many Afghans arriving in Afghanistan with limited financial resources, having been forced to leave their homes and jobs, and in some cases, pay bribes or have their possessions confiscated. This is exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Reports also include instances of arbitrary arrests and detentions in Pakistan, with allegations of ill-treatment.
Türk highlighted the violation of international law in such arbitrary arrests and detentions and reiterated the fundamental right to liberty for all individuals, including migrants, irrespective of their status. He stressed that immigration detention should be a measure of last resort and avoided altogether for children and vulnerable groups.
The situation is particularly grave for women and girls arriving in Afghanistan, who face severe restrictions under the de facto authorities, including limits on education, employment, and public life participation. Türk urged Pakistan to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, ensuring protection for individuals who may face persecution or harm in Afghanistan. This includes Afghan women and girls, former government officials, security personnel, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, civil society activists, and media workers.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the Pakistani government to suspend the Afghan return program until individual assessments and safeguards required by international law are established and to investigate the alleged abuses by law enforcement officers.