Concerned over Pakistan’s deportation of Afghan refugees, the UNHCR

Regarding Pakistan’s decision to remove Afghan refugees, a top UNHCR official expressed alarm, saying that the action has caused significant unrest among the Afghan community in the nation.

The UN has urged the whole community to take charge of the growing refugee crisis and share responsibilities.

Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders are required to depart the country by March 31, which is Eid-ul-Fitr, according to a recent announcement from Pakistan.

Over 2.8 million Afghans presently reside in Pakistan, many of them escaped decades of conflict and instability in their homeland, according to UNHCR figures. Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, which grant them legal protection as refugees, are held by 1.3 million of them.

But today, over 800,000 Afghans who have ACCs—a certificate that certifies them as Afghan citizens but denies them refugee status—are in danger of being forcibly repatriated.

The suffering of Afghan refugees was brought to light by UNHCR’s Pakistan Representative, Philippa Candler, who pointed out that many ACC holders have never even been to Afghanistan and are now afraid for their future.

“Millions of Afghans have been coming and going from Pakistan for almost 50 years, escaping waves of violence since 1979,” Candler stated.

“The Afghan community in Pakistan has once again been shaken by recent government announcements regarding departure deadlines.”

Following a string of terrorist acts that Pakistan connected to Afghan nationals, the deportation strategy is a component of a larger repatriation campaign that was started in 2023.

More than 800,000 Afghans have already been forced to leave since then. The program was then extended to include ACC holders after the Pakistani government first concentrated on foreigners lacking legal papers.

Many Afghan refugees are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty, Candler said, calling the situation “heartbreaking.”

Candler expressed her worries, but she also praised Pakistan’s efforts to help Afghan refugees in spite of economic hardships, overburdened public services, and mounting security worries.

“Host communities are feeling the strain, and healthcare, education, and other public services are frequently overburdened,” she said. “Pakistan is in a difficult situation—juggling its own economic demands, controlling security risks, and bearing the cost of housing refugees.”

She called on the international community to help, but cautioned that Pakistan cannot manage this issue on its own.

According to her, “the world expects Pakistan to keep delivering.” “However, stability has a price, and everyone on the planet must share responsibility.”

Because of the turmoil in Afghanistan, many deported Afghans have already returned to Pakistan, the UNHCR underlined the need for a long-term solution.

In order for refugees to return without fear of discrimination or persecution, Candler stated that a sustainable return entails maintaining peace and security in Afghanistan.

“As well as providing them with legal recognition and protection under international refugee law, efforts must be made to increase access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in Pakistan for those who are unable to return safely.”

Additionally, she urged the international community to keep its 2021 pledge to send Afghan refugees to third-world nations. Although a large number of Afghans have been relocated, hundreds are still in Pakistani limbo.

“The UNHCR is advocating for these refugees to leave as soon as possible in order to ensure long-term stability and sustainable solutions,” she stated.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan face an uncertain future as the March 31 deadline approaches. Human rights groups and the UN are still pressing for international action, but Pakistan is steadfast in its repatriation policy.

The international community’s response to Pakistan’s appeal for assistance or the fate of Afghan refugees will be decided in the upcoming weeks.