Petition to Halt the Mass Forced Returns of Afghan Refugees from Iran and Other Countries

Displaced International (DI) expresses grave concern over the escalating mass forced returns and deportations of Afghan refugees by Iran, Pakistan, Türkiye, and several European states. These actions violate international law, humanitarian principles, and basic human dignity. We recognize the profound challenges faced by host and neighboring countries that have generously welcomed millions of Afghans fleeing violence and oppression. In this shared spirit of humanity and regional solidarity, we call on all states to honor their legal and moral responsibilities under international refugee and human rights law.

Context and Urgency

In 2025 alone, Iran has forcibly returned over 1.5 million Afghans, with more than 700,000 deportations since June. Pakistan’s harsh policies have resulted in the involuntary return of hundreds of thousands, as documented by the UN. Türkiye continues to deport thousands, and Germany deported 81 Afghans in July 2025.

These forced returns persist despite overwhelming evidence that Afghanistan remains deeply unsafe due to economic collapse, rampant violence, and systemic human rights abuses under Taliban control. The UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has called for an immediate halt to deportations, warning that returnees face “significant risk of persecution and violent reprisals.”

In July 2025, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against two Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity, specifically gender persecution. The European Union’s Court of Justice ruled that any Afghan woman should be presumed at risk of persecution upon return. The UN General Assembly’s Resolution A/79/L.100, adopted in June 2025, highlights the dire economic, humanitarian, and social conditions, the absence of political inclusivity, and ongoing systematic human rights violations—especially targeting women, girls, and minorities. This resolution makes clear Afghanistan is currently unsafe for repatriation and calls for strengthened international support to host countries.

Legal and Human Rights Framework

International law, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and UN Covenants on civil rights and torture, prohibits the forcible return (refoulement) of refugees to countries where they risk persecution or inhumane treatment. This principle is universally binding. Returning Afghan refugees—particularly women and girls—to a country where systemic crimes against humanity occur is illegal and morally unacceptable.

Humanitarian Impact and Regional Stability

Forced returns occur amid extreme heat exceeding 50°C in border regions, exposing deportees to dehydration, exhaustion, and lack of shelter, food, and medical care. Reports document torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary arrests of returnees, exacerbating trauma and insecurity. These returns worsen regional instability, increasing displacement inside Afghanistan and straining humanitarian resources.

Root Cause and Path Forward

The root cause of ongoing displacement is Afghanistan’s governance vacuum. The absence of a legitimate, inclusive government that represents all communities fuels insecurity and forced migration. Displaced International urgently calls for a UN-led peace process fostering genuine dialogue among Afghan stakeholders and the international community, aimed at establishing an accountable and inclusive government that safeguards rights and security. Only through international cooperation, humanitarian solidarity, and political resolution can we create conditions for voluntary, safe, and dignified returns, while supporting regional stability.

Call to Action

We urge:

• An immediate halt to all mass forced returns, honoring the principle of non-refoulement.
• Increased humanitarian assistance to refugees and host countries.
• Strong support for an inclusive UN-led peace process in Afghanistan.
• Expansion of safe, legal pathways for refugee protection and resettlement.
• Independent monitoring and accountability for violations linked to forced returns.

Statement from Displaced International

Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, Founder and President of Displaced International, states:

“Displaced International has repeatedly raised alarm over the forced, involuntary repatriation of Afghans from Iran, Pakistan, and beyond. These mass forced returns violate international refugee law and return vulnerable individuals—especially women and girls—to a country rife with systemic crimes against humanity. We call on the global community to uphold their legal and moral duties: halt deportations immediately, increase humanitarian support, and ensure no Afghan is returned until conditions on the ground are demonstrably safe.”

Conclusion

Mass forced returns of Afghan refugees constitute a humanitarian catastrophe and a violation of international law. They place thousands at immediate risk, undermine regional stability, and obstruct durable solutions. Displaced International calls on governments, international institutions, and civil society to stand in solidarity with Afghan refugees, demand an immediate end to mass forced returns, and support comprehensive protection and peacebuilding.

Sign this petition to stand with Afghan refugees and demand urgent international action to protect their dignity and rights.