UN Experts Urge Pakistan to Halt Forced Afghan Returns, Citing Human Rights Concerns

UN Human Rights Experts Urge Pakistan to Halt Forced Afghan Returns

UN human rights experts have called on Pakistan to stop the forced deportation of Afghan nationals. They are urging Pakistan to implement individual screening processes to ensure that individuals are not sent back to Afghanistan if they face persecution, torture, or other serious harm. This plea comes after Pakistan issued a directive in June 2026 to detain and deport Afghan nationals who lack proper documentation.

The experts emphasize that such mass deportations without individual reviews could violate international laws, specifically the principle of non-refoulement. This principle prevents countries from returning individuals to a place where their life or freedom would be threatened. The situation has led to a significant number of Afghans crossing back into Afghanistan, with many reporting forced removals.

Pakistan’s Deportation Directive

In June 2026, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior issued a directive to begin detaining and deporting Afghan nationals without valid documentation. This policy went into effect shortly after, leading to a large movement of people across the border. Between July 10 and August 27, 2026, approximately 127,344 Afghans reportedly crossed into Afghanistan. Of these, at least 14,186 were said to be forced to leave, and about 38,388 were women and children.

The UN experts, including Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, have expressed concern over the potential for irreversible harm to those being deported. They are particularly worried about the heightened risks faced by women and unaccompanied children upon their return to Afghanistan.

The Principle of Non-Refoulement

The experts are urging Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the principle of non-refoulement. This is a fundamental aspect of international refugee law that protects individuals from being returned to countries where they would face serious threats. These threats can include persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. They can also include torture, arbitrary detention, or other forms of irreparable harm. The experts argue that blanket deportations without individual assessments fail to respect this crucial protection.

Proposed Screening System

To address these concerns, the UN experts are advocating for Pakistan to establish a transparent and accessible procedure for Afghans who fear deportation. This system would allow individuals at risk to come forward and receive an individual assessment. While their cases are being reviewed, they would be protected from removal. This case-by-case approach would replace the current broad policy and help identify individuals whose circumstances might not be apparent solely from their documentation status.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did communicate in July 2026 that around 16,000 vulnerable Afghans were identified for a humanitarian exemption. While the UNHCR welcomed this step, they have called for clearer criteria and procedures to determine who qualifies for such protection. The current campaign has also reportedly included some Afghans who possess government-issued documentation, adding another layer of concern.

Wider Regional Movement and Data

The deportations from Pakistan are part of a larger regional movement of Afghan returns. UNHCR reported that over 300,000 Afghans had returned from Pakistan in the first seven months of 2026. This total includes both facilitated and spontaneous movements. A separate UN report indicated that more than 400,000 Afghans had been forcibly returned in 2026, primarily from Iran and Pakistan.

The scale of this movement is substantial. Charlie Goodlake, UNHCR spokesperson in Afghanistan, noted that the number of returnees is comparable to the population of a small country. UN officials and human rights groups have warned that returnees may face severe challenges in Afghanistan, including persecution, torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances. Human Rights Watch has described Afghanistan as being in an acute and worsening humanitarian and economic crisis, which is being exacerbated by these large-scale forced returns without adequate safeguards.

International Calls for Protection

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also spoken out, urging all states to reconsider their actions and prioritize the lives of those suffering. The experts’ request now places the responsibility on Pakistan’s provincial authorities to implement the proposed screening process before any removals occur, especially for individuals who could face serious harm. The humanitarian exemption and the call for individual review are now being considered alongside the ongoing large-scale return operations.

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