UNHCR has expressed serious concern over the recent de-notification of refugee villages and the push to return Afghans, including those with established protections, to Afghanistan. The agency raised these concerns during the week of its Executive Committee in Geneva, stressing the risks posed by rapid and involuntary movements.
The Federal Government recently de-notified sixteen refugee villages across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. In August, authorities asked Afghan refugees to leave the country under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). UNHCR warned that refugee denotification and short timelines for return threaten long-standing livelihoods and complicate reintegration.
Many residents have lived in these villages for decades and have built livelihoods and community ties. Forcing return within a short period has a serious and negative impact on their lives and on prospects for safe and sustainable return to Afghanistan, UNHCR said, calling for measures that avoid creating new protection needs.
UNHCR Representative Philippa Candler emphasised that ‘return of refugees should be organized, phased, voluntary, in dignity and safety, with respect for rights and protection of those in need.’ She noted Pakistan’s role as a generous host to Afghans for over 45 years and urged exemptions from the IFRP for people at risk of persecution.
The agency also highlighted particular concern for women and girls who may be forced back to a situation where their rights to work and education are at risk. UNHCR urged that people with continued international protection needs be exempted from involuntary return and that those with medical needs, higher education commitments or mixed marriages be allowed to remain legally while solutions are sought.
UNHCR called on the Government of Pakistan to organise any returns in a phased manner and to ensure processes are voluntary and protective. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Pakistani authorities to identify solutions that address national concerns while upholding international protection principles amid ongoing refugee denotification actions.
