Urgent Call to Halt Deportations and Uphold Migrants’ Rights
We, the undersigned Afghan civil society actors, humanitarian advocates, and human rights defenders, issue this urgent open letter regarding the deteriorating conditions of Afghan migrants residing in Iran and Pakistan.
We express our deep concern based on international human rights principles and the legal obligations of states under refugee and humanitarian law.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Recent reports from trusted international organizations and field sources confirm a sharp rise in deportations, arbitrary arrests, and violent treatment of Afghan migrants. These violations are widespread, systematic, and disregard due process.
Key issues include:
-
Mass forced returns of Afghan migrants without legal review or protection—even though Afghanistan remains unsafe for returnees.
-
Migrants facing sexual violence, psychological trauma, and depression, especially among women and youth.
-
Journalists, activists, and ex-government employees at high risk of persecution are among those being expelled.
-
Lack of access to education, health, work, shelter, and safety.
-
Afghan migrants used as diplomatic bargaining chips in regional disputes—stripped of rights and representation.
Legal Framework & Violations
Under international law, the actions by Iranian and Pakistani authorities represent grave violations of refugee protection and human rights norms.
Legal references include:
-
Article 33 – 1951 Refugee Convention: Prohibits return (refoulement) to danger
-
UN Convention Against Torture (CAT)
-
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
-
UNHCR Guidelines and UN Guiding Principles on Displacement
Violating these obligations—especially in the case of individuals facing life-threatening risks—is unlawful and morally indefensible.
Our Demands
We call upon international organizations and states to take immediate action. Specifically:
1. Immediate halt to deportations
Iran and Pakistan must stop forced removals of Afghan refugees, especially women, children, ex-soldiers, and activists.
2. Respect international refugee law
Ensure fair asylum procedures, protect migrants from abuse and torture, and allow temporary residency in humane conditions.
3. Open safe migration channels
Governments and agencies should establish legal and humanitarian resettlement pathways, especially for at-risk groups.
4. Deploy international monitors
Send UN and Red Cross missions to migrant camps, border zones, and detention centers for independent investigation.
5. End politicization of migrants
Migrants must not be used as pawns in geopolitical negotiations—they are humans, not bargaining tools.
6. Protect independent support systems
Guarantee access for media, lawyers, and NGOs to support and document migrant cases.
7. Amplify migrant voices
Ensure Afghan migrant representation in migration policy dialogues, especially in the EU and UN forums.
A Warning Against Indifference
Any silence, delay, or inaction is a form of complicity.
To deport vulnerable populations into danger is not only unjust—it is illegal.
With Respect,
Signed by:
A coalition of Afghan civil society organizations, humanitarian advocates, and defenders of migrant rights.
