The Taliban has requested neighboring Pakistan and Iran to approach the repatriation of Afghan refugees with patience and organization, considering Afghanistan’s economic challenges. Since 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have returned, with ongoing efforts to manage refugee situations appropriately. Human rights activists emphasize the need for safeguarding the rights of refugees amidst this crisis.
On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Taliban government urged neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran, to exercise patience regarding the return of Afghan refugees amidst Afghanistan’s significant economic troubles. Since the conclusion of the 20-year U.S.-led war in August 2021, both countries have repatriated over 2.7 million Afghans.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees, conducted separate meetings in Kabul with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani from Pakistan and Alireza Bekdali from Iran. Following these discussions, the Afghan ministry expressed the hope that host nations would show understanding regarding the plight of Afghan refugees and follow a structured return process rather than enforcing immediate deportations.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges, the Taliban’s statement encouraged Afghan nationals to return but emphasized the necessity for an organized repatriation due to insufficient conditions in Afghanistan. The ministry called for a gradual mechanism instead of forced removals.
Since Pakistan initiated a campaign in late 2023 targeting illegal migrants for expulsion, over 825,000 Afghans have departed. Despite this figure, only approximately 40,000 have faced deportation. The multistage plan approved by Pakistan in January aims to manage nearly 3 million Afghan citizens, addressing both documented and undocumented migrants.
Pakistan’s plan prioritizes repatriating legally recognized Afghan migrants in the initial phase. Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards have their permits extended until at least June 2025, with plans to handle their situation later.
Iran has also been proactive, deporting over 1.8 million Afghans from 2022 to 2024, driven by economic factors. Tehran’s recent declarations suggest intentions to deport an additional 2 million Afghans by March 2025.
Kabir underscored the need for a slow approach to the repatriation process, advocating for the establishment of bilateral mechanisms. Pakistan’s Nizamani reassured that refugees should not be viewed as political leverage, stressing the intertwined futures of the two nations. Meanwhile, Iranian ambassador Bekdali sought a lasting solution for Afghan migrants in Iran, insisting on legal documentation for Afghan nationals residing there.
Human rights organizations have consistently urged both Iran and Pakistan to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees and migrants, emphasizing their exposure to dire conditions in Afghanistan, where the economy remains in crisis and the rights of women are severely restricted.
The Taliban has called on Pakistan and Iran to implement a structured and patient approach toward the return of Afghan refugees, considering the economic hardships within Afghanistan. With millions displaced, international dialogue and humane handling of refugee situations are essential to uphold human rights and avoid forced repatriations. By collaborating effectively, there is an opportunity to address long-standing refugee issues while ensuring the dignity and rights of affected individuals are respected.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
