UNHCR concerned over ‘deportation of Afghan children’

ISLAMABAD: The UN refugee agency has raised alarm over ‘forced Afghan child deportations’ from Pakistan and urged authorities to protect such children and other vulnerable returnees.

In a message, the UNHCR said that it was deeply troubled by reports of deportation of three unaccompanied Afghan children and increased forced deportations of other refugees.

It acknowledged Pakistan’s decades-long tradition of hosting millions of Afghans and urged authorities to maintain protections for those who could face harm in case of forced repatriation.

“For decades, Pakistan has opened its arms in generosity, so please continue to protect those at risk of harm if returned to Afghanistan,” it said.

Earlier, the UNHCR voiced concern over the denotification of refugee villages in and forced repatriation of Afghans from Pakistan.

“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 Philippa Candler.

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 [Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan],” she said.

The UN refugee agency also expressed concern about “women and girls being forced to return to a country where their rights to work and education are at risk” and called for organised and phased returns as well as exemption of those, with continued international protection needs, from involuntary return.

“We appeal to Pakistan to allow legal stay for Afghans with medical needs, those currently pursuing higher education, and those in mixed marriages,” Ms Candler said.

She reaffirmed the UNHCR’s commitment to working closely with the government of Pakistan to “identify solutions that respect Pakistan’s concerns while upholding international principles.”