Afghanistan: Europe must 'not turn a blind eye' to Afghan refugees facing return to dangerous country

Escalation in violence by Taliban in Afghanistan as well as rapid spread of Covid-19 across country

Last year the Global Peace Index named Afghanistan as the least safe country in the world for the second year in a row

Responding to news that the Afghanistan Ministry for Refugees and Repatriations is calling on European countries to temporarily halt forced returns to the country due to the “the escalation of violence by the terrorist group of Taliban in the country and the spread of the third wave if the COVID-19”, as well as the deteriorating security situation and increasing internal displacement, Adriana Tidona, Europe Migration Researcher at Amnesty International, said:

“The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and Europe should not turn a blind eye to the dangers faced by Afghan returnees. For years, European countries have been trying to ignore what is plain to see – Afghanistan is not safe to return people to.

“European governments must heed Afghanistan’s concerns, immediately halt all returns, and ensure that people seeking safety in Europe are protected.

“Afghan nationals who cannot be returned must be provided with the necessary documents to regularise their stay and fully enjoy their rights while they are in Europe.

“The European Commission and the EU’s border agency Frontex coordinates charter flights for returns to Afghanistan must not participate in any operations which expose people to human rights violations.”