Richard Bennett Urges Pakistan to Halt Deportations After Deadly Afghanistan Earthquake
Tawazon – In the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country, Richard Bennett, has urged Pakistan to suspend its planned deportations of Afghan refugees and instead prioritize humanitarian assistance.
Bennett wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I call on Pakistan to at least suspend planned deportations of Afghans and focus on supporting humanitarian efforts in the area. This would be the action of a compassionate neighbor and is the urgent priority.”
The quake, which has left hundreds dead, thousands injured, and destroyed rural villages, has deepened the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by Afghans. Survivors are struggling with collapsed homes, food shortages, and limited access to medical care. Aid agencies have warned that the coming days are critical as many families remain trapped under rubble or are sleeping in the open.
Bennett emphasized that suspending deportations would be “the action of a compassionate neighbor” and stressed that this is the urgent priority in the current situation.
Pakistan, which hosts millions of Afghan refugees, has announced plans to deport large numbers of undocumented Afghans, a move that right groups and aid organizations fear will exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable people.
Humanitarian groups have stressed that solidarity and regional cooperation are essential in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. With winter approaching, the urgency t provide shelter, medical care, and food assistance is mounting.
