GENEVA — United Nations human rights experts have called on Pakistan to suspend its planned mass deportation of Afghan refugees, warning that the policy violates international law and places returnees at grave risk.
Under Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” deportations are set to begin September 1 and now include refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards—many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades or were born there.
The experts condemned the move as a breach of the non-refoulement principle, a cornerstone of international refugee law that prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution, torture, or other serious harm.
Citing UNHCR’s 2023 guidance, they highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls under Taliban rule, who face bans on education, employment restrictions, and limited mobility without a male guardian. Additional groups at risk include former government officials, security personnel, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
While acknowledging Pakistan’s longstanding role in hosting Afghan refugees, the experts urged greater international support and criticized the decline in third-country resettlement programs. Amnesty International has documented over 750,000 deportations by March 2025, citing racial profiling and harassment.
The UN’s appeal underscores the urgent need for rights-based solutions and renewed global commitment to refugee protection.
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