Since the Taliban came to power in 2021, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has recommended against deportations to Afghanistan. Since then, the situation for the people there has deteriorated significantly, said Leonard Zulu, UNHCR representative in Afghanistan.
He referred to the current discussions in Germany and Austria. “I would like to call on all countries to look at our recommendation on deportations to Afghanistan. There are very good reasons why they should not take place – and they are still valid,” Zulu said. The humanitarian situation, for example, is precarious; almost 24 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid. Many of them are only “one step away from a famine catastrophe.”
Natural disasters, not peace
Other reasons against deportations include natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts and floods, as well as poor performance on the World Peace Index. Accordingly, Afghanistan is one of the five least peaceful countries in the world. Zulu said the Taliban have “systematically dismantled” the achievements of the past two decades, especially in the area of human rights. The situation is particularly bad for young girls, who are no longer allowed to attend secondary schools and universities. In addition, former government officials and members of minorities are repeatedly arbitrarily arrested and detained.
Austria does not deport people
“The conditions for deportations to Afghanistan simply do not exist,” says the Zimbabwean. The Austrian government is not currently deporting Afghans back home, but the ÖVP and SPÖ have recently spoken out in favor of deporting criminal Afghan asylum seekers. In doing so, they support an initiative by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
“As part of humanity, we must care for our neighbours and fellow human beings, just as we would like others to care for us. If someone is in a difficult situation, I give them water and a biscuit. And a coat if they are cold (…),” Zulu said. The principle of protection must be at the heart of every political decision.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
