Geneva: The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has issued an urgent appeal to Pakistan to cease the forced return of Afghan refugees who hold proof of registration (PoR) cards. The call was made by UNHCR Spokesperson Babor Baloch during a briefing on Tuesday in Geneva, highlighting the specific risks faced by women and girls being sent back to Afghanistan, a nation currently under Taliban rule.

According to EMM, Pakistan had announced on 31 July that Afghan refugees would be deported under the ongoing Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan. However, this decision affects individuals who have been recognized as refugees for decades, contradicting Pakistan's longstanding humanitarian policies and violating the principle of non-refoulement. The situation arises amidst a significant return of Afghans from neighboring countries, including over 2.1 million who have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan this year, with 352,000 from Pakistan alone.

UNHCR has raised alarms about the safety of women and girls, along with other vulnerable groups, compelled to return to a country where their human rights are at risk. Mr. Baloch emphasized the need for returns to be conducted voluntarily, safely, and with dignity. The agency has also requested an extension of the validity of PoR cards, which expired in June, though Pakistan has granted an additional one-month grace period.

The UNHCR is urging the Pakistani government to exempt Afghans with ongoing international protection needs from involuntary return. This includes individuals with medical needs, those pursuing higher education, or those in mixed marriages. The large-scale return of Afghans is exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, putting pressure on basic services, housing, and host communities.

Mr. Baloch cautioned that the mass and rapid returns could significantly increase protection needs and risk further instability in Afghanistan and the region, including potential onward migration. According to UN aid coordination office OCHA, nearly 23 million people, or almost half the Afghan population, will require humanitarian assistance this year to survive.