Statement of the Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile Regarding the Government of Pakistan's Decision on the Repatriation of Afghan Refugees

Statement of the Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile Regarding the Government of Pakistan's Decision on the Repatriation of Afghan Refugees

The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile expresses its profound concern regarding the Government of Pakistan's recent decision concerning the repatriation of Afghan refugees. We respectfully note that, given the current humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan, the implementation of large-scale returns may have serious consequences for many vulnerable individuals, including women, children, human rights defenders, civil society activists, journalists, and members of religious and ethnic minority communities.Afghanistan continues to face significant human rights and humanitarian challenges. Women and girls remain subject to extensive restrictions affecting their access to education, employment, freedom of movement, and participation in public life. Many individuals who have sought refuge abroad continue to face well-founded concerns regarding their safety and security should they be returned under the present circumstances.The Movement recalls the fundamental principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of international refugee and human rights law, which provides that no individual should be returned to a country where they may face persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. We respectfully encourage that this principle remain central to all decisions concerning the return of Afghan refugees, particularly those belonging to vulnerable or at-risk groups.We are also concerned that large-scale returns, particularly during periods of extreme weather and limited humanitarian capacity, may place additional strain on vulnerable populations, including women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and individuals requiring urgent medical care. Ensuring that returns are voluntary, safe, dignified, and conducted in accordance with international standards is of paramount importance.The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Pakistan for the generosity and hospitality they have extended to millions of Afghan refugees over the past four decades. Pakistan has played a significant humanitarian role by providing refuge to Afghans during successive periods of conflict and instability, and this longstanding support is deeply acknowledged and appreciated.In light of the current circumstances, we respectfully appeal to the Government of Pakistan to consider humanitarian measures that would provide additional time and temporary protection for Afghan refugees who remain at particular risk. Such an approach would allow vulnerable individuals to pursue lawful pathways for resettlement, humanitarian admission, family reunification, or other durable solutions through established international mechanisms.We further call upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), donor governments, and the broader international community to strengthen their collective response by accelerating resettlement and complementary pathways for those most at risk. Greater international cooperation and responsibility-sharing are essential to ensuring effective protection for Afghan refugees.The situation of Afghan refugees is an international humanitarian concern that requires coordinated, compassionate, and sustainable solutions. Protecting refugees and asylum seekers is a shared responsibility grounded in international law, humanitarian principles, and respect for human dignity.The Movement of Afghanistan Women in Exile remains committed to advocating for the rights, dignity, and protection of Afghan refugees, particularly women and girls who have fled persecution, conflict, and discrimination. We encourage all stakeholders to continue working together to promote solutions that uphold human rights, humanitarian values, and international legal obligations while addressing the legitimate concerns of host countries.We firmly believe that a balanced approach—one that combines humanitarian protection, international cooperation, and shared responsibility—offers the most constructive path toward safeguarding the lives and dignity of Afghan refugees while contributing to regional stability and human security.

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