UN Experts Urge Pakistan to Halt Forced Returns of At-Risk Afghans

DID Press: United Nations human rights experts have urged Pakistan to halt the forced return of Afghan refugees and migrants at risk of persecution, torture or other serious harm, calling for a transparent mechanism to assess their protection needs individually before any deportation.

The experts, including Richard Bennett, said each Afghan facing removal should undergo an individual assessment so that people at risk of persecution, torture or other serious human rights violations can be identified and protected from forced return. A report on the experts’ latest appeal said they were particularly concerned that vulnerable people could remain in hiding because of fears of arrest, detention or deportation.

The UN experts also called for a transparent and accessible procedure through which at-risk Afghans can present their cases and seek protection. The appeal comes amid continued returns of Afghans from Pakistan, including both voluntary returns and deportations.

According to the International Organization for Migration, 2,652,720 Afghans had returned from Pakistan between September 15, 2023, and July 31, 2026. Since April 1, 2025, more than 1.79 million Afghans had returned during the period covered by the IOM data, including 224,335 who were deported.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says returns should be voluntary, safe and dignified and based on an informed decision. Its guidance also states that people should not be forced to return against their will.

The issue has drawn repeated concern from UN human rights officials, who have emphasized the principle of non-refoulement—the prohibition on returning a person to a place where they face a serious risk of persecution, torture or other grave human rights violations.