UN Warns of Human Rights Crisis as Afghans Flee Pakistan Ahead of Deportation Deadline

UN and International Organization for Migration call for suspension of Pakistan's mass deportation policy due to fears of human rights violations; 1.7 million out of the 4.4 Afghans in Pakistan lack valid documents.

The UN and International Organization for Migration have warned of a 'human rights catastrophe' if Pakistan proceeds with a mass deportation of Afghans who lack proper documentation, according to Deutsche Welle.
Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has criticized the Pakistani government's policy, calling for support, dignity, and safety for Afghan refugees instead of obstacles and harassment.
While the Pakistani government insists that its deportation campaign is not aimed at any specific nationality, Afghans make up the majority of undocumented foreigners in the country.
The UN agencies report a sharp increase in Afghans returning home due to fears of arrest and deportation; at least 600,000 undocumented Afghans fled after the Taliban's takeover in 2021.
The potential return of Afghans to their home country raises concerns due to Afghanistan's current humanitarian crisis, particularly for women and girls, who face restrictions under the Taliban rule.