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UNHCR warns Pakistan plan to repatriate registered Afghans could breach non-refoulement
Summary
The UN refugee agency said Pakistan's move to repatriate Afghan refugees holding proof of registration cards risks violating the principle of non-refoulement and could endanger women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday expressed concern over Pakistan's stated intention to repatriate Afghan refugees who hold proof of registration cards, saying such returns could violate the principle of non-refoulement if not voluntary, safe and dignified.
UNHCR said Pakistan confirmed on July 31 plans to repatriate Afghans under an "illegal foreigners repatriation plan," and that its staff have received reports of arrests and detentions of Afghans across Pakistan over recent days, including of people holding registration cards. The agency acknowledged Pakistan's long history of hosting Afghan refugees but said that forcing registered cardholders to return would be "contrary to Pakistan's long-standing humanitarian approach to this group" and could constitute a breach of international protection obligations.
UNHCR said it was especially concerned about women and girls and other groups who might be at heightened risk on return, and called on authorities to ensure any returns are voluntary, safe and dignified. No details were given in the briefing about specific timelines for repatriation or mechanisms for processing returns.
