Amnesty International Urges Halt To Deportations To Afghanistan Over Widespread Human Rights Abuse

Amnesty International has called for an immediate halt to all forced returns of refugees and asylum seekers to Afghanistan, saying on 16 December 2025 that new UN data shows over 2.6 million people were deported from Iran and Pakistan this year. Around 60% of those returned are women and children, with additional deportations reported from Turkey and Tajikistan.

The mass returns coincide with worsening human rights abuses under the Taliban, particularly targeting women, girls, former government employees, journalists, and human rights defenders. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, compounded by natural disasters and economic collapse, placing returnees at high risk of violence, persecution, and deprivation. Amnesty highlighted the legal obligation of states under international law to uphold non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals to countries where they face serious harm.

Amnesty stated that European states, including Germany, Austria, and the European Union, have reportedly increased efforts to deport Afghans. Negotiations with Taliban authorities are ongoing, despite widespread repression and a lack of protections for returnees. Smriti Singh, Amnesty International's Regional Director for South Asia, said:“This rush to forcibly return people ignores the very reasons they fled Afghanistan and puts millions in serious danger.”

Amnesty International conducted 11 interviews with deported Afghans and those at risk of immediate expulsion between July and November 2025. Returnees who previously worked with the Afghanistan government, security forces, or international organizations described being subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture, and threats upon return. Women reported being denied education, work, and freedom of movement, while former officials and security personnel faced continued persecution.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented 21 instances of arbitrary arrests and torture and 14 killings of former security personnel between July and September 2025. Many returnees live in debt, unable to secure livelihoods or access basic services, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty International urged all states to immediately stop forced returns and expand safe resettlement pathways, particularly for women, girls, former government officials, journalists, and human rights defenders. The organization warned that failure to comply violates international law and moral responsibility.

With millions displaced and abuses escalating, international cooperation, diplomatic pressure, and expanded refugee protections are critical to prevent further suffering in Afghanistan.

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