Geneva: The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is urging Pakistan to halt the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees who possess proof of registration (PoR) cards, UNHCR Spokesperson Babor Baloch announced in Geneva on Tuesday. Baloch highlighted the particular vulnerability of women and girls being sent back to Afghanistan, a country under Taliban rule for the past four years.

According to EMM, Pakistan confirmed on 31 July its intention to deport Afghan refugees under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan. Despite this, the UNHCR pointed out that those with PoR cards have been recognized as refugees for decades, and their forced return contradicts Pakistan’s long-standing humanitarian approach and violates the principle of non-refoulement.

The issue is occurring amidst a significant return of Afghans from neighboring countries like Iran. In 2023 alone, over 2.1 million Afghans have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan, with 352,000 coming from Pakistan. UNHCR remains deeply concerned about the safety of women and girls compelled to return to a country where their rights are at risk, as well as other vulnerable groups.

Mr. Baloch urged that any returns be conducted voluntarily, safely, and with dignity. He also noted that the UNHCR is seeking an extension of the PoR cards, which expired in June, and appreciated Pakistan’s additional one-month grace period. He called on Pakistan to exempt Afghans with ongoing international protection needs from involuntary return and appealed for legal stays for those with medical needs, pursuing higher education, or in mixed marriages.

Baloch emphasized the far-reaching consequences of the mass return of Afghans, which has strained basic services, housing, and livelihoods in host communities, worsening the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The UN aid coordination office OCHA has reported that nearly 23 million people in Afghanistan will need humanitarian assistance this year. Baloch cautioned that the mass and abrupt returns increase protection needs and could destabilize Afghanistan and the surrounding region, potentially leading to further migration movements.