Kabul, Mar 5
Facing continuous harassment in Pakistan and Iran, refugees from Afghanistan have called on the ruling Taliban government and various human rights organisations to take action on their behalf.
The refugees stated that despite holding valid legal documents they continue to face the threat of illegal detention, deportation, and discrimination by the local authorities, especially in Pakistan.
"Police officers detain Afghan refugees under any pretext, whether they have legal documents or not. They deport everyone, leaving their wives and children stranded without support," a refugee told Afghanistan's TOLO news network.
Rights activist Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai stated that the situation of Afghan refugees in host countries, especially Pakistan, is extremely concerning.
"The current Afghan government, the United Nations, and international aid organisations must address the conditions of Afghan refugees in these countries," he told the Afghan media outlet.
Refugees insist that they only want their basic rights granted to them by the international organisations, and nothing more.
Earlier this month, a coalition of human rights organisations and refugee advocacy groups wrote an open letter to the Pakistani government asking it to immediately halt the forced deportation of Afghan migrants.