The Taliban requested Pakistan and Iran to adopt a patient and organized process for Afghan refugee returns due to Afghanistan’s economic challenges. Discussions with diplomats stressed the urgency of protecting refugee rights and the need for bilateral mechanisms. Iran and Pakistan continue to deport Afghans amid ongoing humanitarian issues in Afghanistan, necessitating a measured approach to repatriation.
On Thursday, the Taliban appealed to neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran, urging them to adopt a more patient and organized approach regarding the return of Afghan refugees, in light of Afghanistan’s dire economic situation. Since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been repatriated from these countries.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, conducted separate discussions with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, the charge d’affaires from Pakistan, and Alireza Bekdali, Iran’s ambassador, in Kabul. The Taliban emphasized the importance of handling refugee returns systematically instead of executing forced deportations.
The Afghan ministry highlighted Kabir’s hope that host nations would exhibit patience and understanding. “Islamic Emirate encourages Afghan refugees to return to the country,” they stated, while urging the creation of a gradual return process.
Pakistan’s recent campaign to remove foreign nationals illegally residing within its borders has resulted in over 825,000 Afghans departing since late 2023. Although the recent focus has been on repatriation, only about 40,000 have been officially deported. Pakistan’s plan, approved in January, encompasses a wide scope of Afghan nationals, including those awaiting relocation to Western countries.
The plan will implement a phased repatriation process for documented and undocumented Afghan migrants, with the first phase targeting documented individuals. While the Pakistani government has extended the validity of registration documents for refugees until June 2025, they acknowledge that future dealings with these individuals will occur separately.
Iran, also facing economic pressures, has deported more than 1.8 million Afghans from 2022 to 2024. Iran has declared intentions to deport up to 2 million more individuals by March 2025, further amplifying the urgency for a cohesive return strategy.
Kabir reiterated the necessity for Iran and Pakistan to decelerate the return process until appropriate bilateral mechanisms are established. Nizamani highlighted that refugees should not be considered political instruments, affirming Pakistan’s desire for mutual resolution of issues. Meanwhile, Bekdali, the Iranian ambassador, stressed the need for a lasting solution that provides legal standing to Afghan migrants in Iran.
Human rights advocates continue to urge both Iran and Pakistan to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees and prevent forced repatriations to a country facing severe economic and social challenges, including widespread reliance on humanitarian aid and restrictions on women’s rights and liberties.
In summary, the Taliban’s recent appeal to Pakistan and Iran underscores the urgent need for a systematic and compassionate approach to the return of Afghan refugees. With significant numbers already repatriated and ongoing deportation initiatives in both countries, it is crucial to establish bilateral frameworks that address the welfare of returning individuals amidst Afghanistan’s economic turmoil. The emphasis on protecting the rights of these refugees remains a priority for human rights organizations, advocating for humane treatment and legal support as they navigate their return.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
