Taliban Requests Pakistan and Iran for Organized Refugee Returns
The Taliban has urged Pakistan and Iran to adopt a measured approach for returning Afghan refugees, emphasizing the economic difficulties in Afghanistan. Discussions between Taliban officials and diplomats from both nations highlighted the necessity for an organized repatriation process instead of forced returns. Both Pakistan and Iran have initiated plans for repatriation, with calls for humanitarian considerations amidst the backdrop of significant refugee numbers and ongoing instability in Afghanistan.
The Taliban has appealed to Pakistan and Iran to take a more measured approach regarding the return of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the need for an organized process due to Afghanistan’s challenging economic situation. Since the onset of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, both countries have sent back over 2.7 million Afghans. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs, held discussions with diplomats from both nations in Kabul, underscoring the need for patience and an organized framework for repatriation.
The Taliban has encouraged Afghan refugees to return but cautioned that the current conditions in Afghanistan necessitate a managed approach rather than forced repatriation. The ministry’s statement expressed hope that the host countries would adhere to a gradual mechanism in facilitating the return of refugees, particularly given the hardships many face at home.
Pakistan has recently accelerated its efforts to expel foreign nationals, resulting in over 825,000 Afghans departing since late 2023, although only a small number have been formally deported. Authorities have launched a multistage plan aiming to manage the repatriation of nearly three million Afghan citizens, with specific phases targeting documented and undocumented migrants.
Iran, responding to economic pressures, has reportedly deported approximately 1.8 million Afghans since 2022 and plans to continue this trend. Kabir urged both countries to slow the expulsion process until structured bilateral mechanisms can be settled. Statements from Pakistani officials reinforced that refugees should not be manipulated for political purposes, emphasizing cooperation and understanding in addressing these issues.
Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Alireza Bekdali, echoed the need for a permanent solution, aiming to legalize the status of Afghans living in Iran. Amidst these developments, calls from human rights organizations persist, advocating for the protection of Afghan refugees’ rights and ensuring they are not compelled to return to an unstable Afghanistan, where security and basic rights are severely compromised.
The Taliban’s recent appeal for a more gradual and organized approach to the return of Afghan refugees highlights the pressing need for international cooperation, particularly from neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran. Amid ongoing economic distress in Afghanistan and mounting pressure from host nations, ensuring the safety and rights of returning refugees remains a critical concern. Future collaborative efforts are essential to address the humanitarian needs of these individuals while respecting their dignity.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
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