Millions of Afghan refugees have been unlawfully deported in 2025 from countries including Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and Germany, according to concerns raised by Amnesty International. The organization is calling on world leaders to immediately halt these forced returns, citing serious human rights risks within Afghanistan.
Worsening Conditions Fuel Concerns
The deportations are occurring against a backdrop of intensifying human rights violations in Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021. These include restrictions on freedom of speech, limitations on the freedom of movement, and prohibitions preventing women from working with the UN or Non-Governmental Organizations. Girls age 12 and older are currently excluded from education.
Smriti Singh, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for South Asia, stated that returning individuals to Afghanistan “ignores why they fled in the first place and the serious dangers they face if sent back.” She further asserted that these actions demonstrate “a clear disregard for states’ international obligations.”
Specific Threats Faced by Returnees
Amnesty International identified two primary threats facing Afghan refugees upon return: persecution of former government employees and discriminatory restrictions against women and girls. Former members of security forces and government officials fear retaliation from the Taliban, despite a declared general amnesty, and continue to be subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Women’s rights activists are also at risk, with reports indicating that family members have been arrested in attempts to locate activists who have returned to Afghanistan and subsequently fled again. A UN report previously revealed that the Taliban authorities have committed human rights violations against returning refugees, particularly affecting women, girls, civil society workers, and former government officials.
The forced returns are also exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, according to rights groups. In October, the UN established an independent investigative mechanism to examine international crimes and violations of international law committed in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the principle of non-refoulement?
The principle of non-refoulement, as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, guarantees that no one should be returned to a country where they may face torture, degrading treatment, or other irreparable harm.
Which countries are involved in the deportations?
Millions of Afghan refugees have been deported in 2025 from Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and Germany, according to Amnesty International.
What specific dangers do women face upon return to Afghanistan?
Women face discriminatory restrictions imposed by the Taliban, including prohibitions from working with the UN or Non-Governmental Organizations and exclusion from education beyond the age of 12. Women’s rights activists also face persecution, with reports of family members being arrested to locate activists.
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether international pressure will lead to a halt in forced deportations and a greater commitment to protecting the rights of Afghan refugees.