UN Calls for Halt to Deportation of Refugees to Afghanistan

The United Nations has called on all countries not to deport any Afghan nationals to their country. The United States announced it will evacuate up to 9,000 people daily from Afghanistan. Two German aircraft are operating on the Kabul to Tashkent route to transport people.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees announced on Tuesday, August 17 (August 26 on the Persian calendar), that given the severe situation regarding security and human rights and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the legal and moral responsibility of all countries requires them to provide shelter to the country’s displaced people.

According to the Protestant Church news agency, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees states that even those whose asylum requests have been rejected should not be sent back to Afghanistan.

Shabia Mantoo, spokesperson for the High Commissioner, said that the risk of human rights violations against Afghan civilians is deeply concerning, and this applies especially to women and girls, as well as individuals who have cooperated with the ousted government or international organizations.

Since the beginning of this year, more than 500,000 people have been displaced within the country. Few have been able to find refuge abroad, but an influx of refugees outside the country should be expected.

According to UN data, approximately five million Afghan citizens are currently displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also called on the international community to prioritize the security of those Afghan people who need emergency aid.

Antonio Vitorino, the director of the organization, said that providing assistance to those in need requires ensuring the safety of aid workers. He called on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to protect civilians and guarantee the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate without obstruction.

Philippines Ready to Accept Afghan Refugees

Harry Roque, spokesperson for the Philippine presidency, said on Tuesday, August 17, that in light of events in Kabul, “the doors of the Philippines” are open to Afghan refugees. This was announced by the Philippine government news service PNA.

This archipelago has historically been a haven for people who have been in danger in their own countries for political and humanitarian reasons. In 1917, following the Russian Revolution, many fled to the Philippines, and during World War II, the country welcomed Jews fleeing Germany.

Daily Transfer of Up to 9,000 People from Kabul

John Kirby, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, told CNN that according to U.S. assessments, the country intends to evacuate between 5,000 to 9,000 people daily from Afghanistan.

Kirby said that in the coming weeks, three military bases on U.S. soil are prepared to accommodate up to 22,000 Afghan colleagues of Americans.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense added that 3,500 military personnel currently secure Kabul airport. He warned that any attack on people or disruption of airport operations will be met with immediate response.

Kirby stated that in the coming weeks, with tireless effort, they will evacuate as many interpreters and colleagues as possible from the country.

German Aircraft Land in Kabul

Another German air force aircraft landed at Kabul airport on the evening of Tuesday, August 17, for the purpose of transferring people.

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Germany’s Defense Minister, said in this regard: “To the extent that we can fit people in the aircraft, we will transport everything and everyone.”

Currently, two A400M cargo aircraft are operating between Kabul and Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

According to the latest reports, many German organization colleagues have hidden themselves in Kabul and are unable to reach the airport. It is said that Taliban forces control the airport entrance routes and are preventing these people from reaching the airport.

U.S. Request from Uganda

The government of Uganda announced that, at the request of U.S. authorities, it will temporarily host two thousand Afghan refugees.

Esther Anyakoon Davinia, Uganda’s Minister of Refugee Affairs, said in this regard: “These refugees will stay here for three months so that the United States government can relocate them elsewhere.”

French Airlift for Evacuating People

Florence Parly, France’s Defense Minister, told RTL radio that following the chaotic situation on Monday at Kabul airport, the French military overnight dispatched a cargo aircraft toward the Persian Gulf region. After a brief stop at a French military base in the UAE, the aircraft proceeded to Kabul.

According to the French news agency, the aircraft is currently transporting 45 French nationals and local colleagues of France in Afghanistan to Paris.

France’s Defense Minister stated that French special commandos have taken charge of flight security. She added that an airlift will be established in the coming days to transport more people out of the country.

Source: DW