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UNHCR Appeals to Pakistan to Halt Forced Returns of Afghan Refugees
Islamabad, Pakistan – August 5, 2025 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued an urgent appeal to the government of Pakistan, requesting a cessation of the forced returns of Afghan refugees. The call comes amidst growing concerns over the welfare and safety of Afghans being repatriated to their country of origin, many of whom fled due to widespread conflict and instability.
The UNHCR, the leading international body mandated with protecting refugees and finding solutions for them, has consistently emphasized the importance of voluntary repatriation and ensuring that any returns are conducted in a safe, dignified, and voluntary manner. The agency’s recent statement underscores a deepening worry that current return processes may not fully align with these fundamental principles.
Pakistan has long been a generous host to millions of Afghan refugees, offering them sanctuary for several decades. This long-standing relationship has been a testament to the spirit of hospitality extended by the Pakistani people. However, the UNHCR’s appeal highlights a critical juncture where the international community, through the UNHCR, is seeking to ensure that the protections afforded to refugees are upheld in accordance with international refugee law and conventions.
Reports suggest that a significant number of Afghans currently residing in Pakistan face complex situations, with many having established lives, livelihoods, and family connections within the country. A return to Afghanistan, for many, poses considerable challenges, including the lack of adequate resources, economic opportunities, and a fragile security landscape. The UNHCR’s primary concern is to prevent any situation that could lead to refoulement, which is the return of refugees to a country where they would face persecution or danger.
The agency has reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with the Pakistani authorities to find sustainable and humane solutions. This includes advocating for continued dialogue on refugee protection, exploring alternatives to detention and forced return, and ensuring that all individuals seeking asylum have access to fair and efficient processing mechanisms.
The UNHCR’s appeal is a call for a renewed focus on the humanitarian principles that guide refugee assistance globally. By urging Pakistan to reconsider its current approach to returns, the organization aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals and families who have sought refuge and continue to require protection. The international community will be closely observing the developments and the response from Pakistan to this significant humanitarian appeal.
UNHCR urges Pakistan to stop forced returns of Afghan refugees
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