UNHCR calls for phased return of Afghans after refugee village de-notifications

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has voiced concern over Pakistan’s move to de-notify certain refugee villages and forcibly repatriate Afghan nationals, and urged authorities to ensure organised and phased returns.

It also called for legal stay arrangements for Afghans with medical needs and those pursuing higher education or those in mixed marriages.The call comes following the de-notification of 16 refugee villages in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab by the federal government.

Last August, authorities asked Afghan refugees to leave the country as part of its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP).”As many of Afghan nationals have lived in refugee villages for decades and established livelihoods, forcing them to return within a short period has a serious and negative impact on their lives and livelihoods, as well as their reintegration in Afghanistan. Return of refugees should be organised, phased, voluntary, in dignity and safety, with respect for rights and protection of those in need,” said UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan Philippa Candler in a statement.

She added that Pakistan had been a generous host to Afghans for over 45 years, providing protection to millions of people.“There are still many people in Pakistan who would be at risk of persecution should they be obliged to return to Afghanistan. These individuals need to be exempted from IFRP,” she said.

The UNHCR’s representative also expressed concern about women and girls being forced to return to a country, where, she said, their rights to work and education are at risk.”We urge the government of Pakistan to apply measures for organised and phased returns and to exempt Afghans with continued international protection needs from involuntary return,” she said.

Ms Candler also appealed to Pakistan to allow legal stay for Afghans with medical needs, those currently pursuing higher education, and those in mixed marriages.She said that the UN refugee agency was committed to working closely with the Pakistani government to identify solutions that respect Pakistan’s concerns while upholding international principles.