Statement: Rising instability necessitates immediate suspension of deportations to Afghanistan
16 July 2021
Statement: Rising instability necessitates immediate suspension of deportations to Afghanistan
Kabul, 16 July 2021: The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) supports the request made by the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations (MoRR) for the immediate suspension of returns to Afghanistan. With growing insecurity, conflict between state and non-state actors, mounting humanitarian needs, and uncertainty as a result of US and NATO troop withdrawals, any return of persons to Afghanistan – especially at this time – will only seek to place them at increased risks of harm, destitution, and precarity.
For decades, Afghanistan has been beleaguered by ongoing fighting, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, food insecurity and a faltering economy. Such long-term challenges have been compounded by the rapid departure of US and NATO troops from the country. In the months since the US public declared that all troops would be gone from Afghanistan by 11 September, the world has borne witness to attacks across the nation on a daily basis, leading to notable numbers of civilian casualties and forced displacement. Among these, the 8 May attack at a school in Kabul’s Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood killed and seriously injured more than 150 schoolgirls as a result of three targeted explosions. In addition, more than 190 districts across the country have passed to the control of armed opposition groups in just a few months. This has further exacerbated the insecurity and lack of safety for Afghans.
The ADSP is increasingly concerned about the escalating insecurity and conflict in Afghanistan, which if it continues, will only serve to intensify the already high levels of humanitarian need across the country.
As a result, the ADSP calls upon all countries – especially European nations – to cease deportations to Afghanistan. With violence, conflict and uncertainty increasing, and peace-talks stalling, it is unconscionable for states to continue pursuing returns. Those forced to return are highly likely to experience further displacement internally, having to continuously flee fighting and insecurity.
The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform urges the international community, especially European nations, to provide support and safety to all Afghans within their borders.
Media Contact:
Evan Jones, ADSP Manager
Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP)
Please find the PDF version here.
