Richard Bennett: Afghan Refugee Expulsions Based on Unfounded Security Grounds
Tawazon – Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has supported a statement issued by the Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights which described the mass deportations of Afghans from neighboring countries as being carried out on unjustified security grounds.
In his comments released late on August 25, Bennett said the statement clearly pointed out that the mass expulsions of Afghans from neighboring states to Afghanistan have been conducted on security claims that lack proper justification.
He emphasized that those forcibly removed from their homes deserve not only recognition but also protection and justice. His remarks come as thousands of Afghan refugees have been expelled in recent months, particularly by Iran and Pakistan. These deportations have led to family separations, disruption of children’s education, and increased restrictions on women.
The United Nations and international human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that such forced returns are in violation of international humanitarian law, especially the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
Human rights defenders stress that Afghans expelled under coercion should be provided with legal protection, shelter, and reintegration support by the international community. Bennett also underlined that these victims are not forgotten people but individuals who deserve global attention, justice, and dignity.
Reports from various UN bodies indicate that the deportations are not only linked to security concerns but also connected to political pressures, economic difficulties, and domestic policies in host countries. At the same time, measures taken under the banner of counter-terrorism against innocent people are seen as violations of fundamental human rights principles.
