Sat Apr 05 01:37:06 UTC 2025: ## UN Urges Pakistan to Halt Deportations of Afghans
**Geneva, April 5, 2025** – A group of United Nations human rights experts issued a strong condemnation of Pakistan’s plans to forcibly deport Afghans, calling for an immediate halt to the deportations and internal relocations. The experts expressed grave concern over the potential violation of international human rights and refugee law, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable groups including women, girls, and minorities upon return to Afghanistan.
The UN experts specifically criticized Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, launched in September 2023, which has already displaced hundreds of thousands of Afghans. While the initial deadline for voluntary departure was March 31st, reports suggest a possible extension to April 10th, though this remains unconfirmed by Pakistani authorities. Approximately 1.3 million Afghans with Afghan Citizen Cards or residing illegally in Pakistan were affected by the plan.
The UN experts urged Pakistan to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, prohibiting the return of individuals to a place where they face a risk of persecution. They emphasized the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the risks of gender-based violence and the suppression of women’s rights under the Taliban regime. The experts also noted the heightened vulnerability of children, LGBTI individuals, and other marginalized groups.
The statement highlighted the concerns of many Afghans who contacted the UN, fearing persecution if forced back to Afghanistan, particularly those who had previously been given expectations of resettlement in third countries, but whose hopes were dashed due to funding cuts. The UN experts also acknowledged security risks in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, but stressed that the mass deportations would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, especially given recent funding cuts impacting humanitarian aid.
The appeal for Pakistan to reconsider its deportation plans was issued by a panel of UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Group members focusing on human rights in Afghanistan, trafficking, discrimination against women and girls, counter-terrorism, violence against women and girls, and the right to adequate housing. They called for durable solutions for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan, with strong support from the international community.
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