Naser Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan's ambassador to Switzerland, says serious concerns about the forced deportation of Afghan migrants and the challenges faced by returnees were emphasized at a meeting of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Mr. Andisha wrote on his X page on Friday, October 30, that these issues were raised in the statement by the Afghan delegation during the 39th session of the IOM's Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance in Geneva. He stated that the meeting stressed the need for neighboring and regional countries to respect the human rights and dignity of Afghan migrants and refugees.
The Afghan ambassador to Switzerland also confirmed that Afghanistan is a priority in this year's IOM budget. He added that the meeting highlighted the necessity of ensuring adequate funding and developing long-term programs to support Afghan migrants and their host communities.
Part of the Afghan delegation's statement also pointed to internal challenges. Mr. Andisha said that the restrictions imposed by the Taliban government on the education and work of women and girls were cited as significant obstacles to economic growth, societal reconstruction, and the reintegration of migrants returning to the country.
These remarks come as a new wave of forced deportations of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran, has sparked widespread international concern. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called on these countries to halt the deportations and adhere to their international obligations regarding refugees.
Afghanistan's mission in Geneva called for the international community's cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis within Afghanistan and supporting migrants who are returning. The mission stressed that without a sustainable solution and comprehensive support, returnees will face greater poverty and instability.
Finally, the IOM and its member states were urged to increase diplomatic pressure on host countries to respect the principle of non-refoulement and to create conditions for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Afghan migrants. Source: Naser Ahmad Andisha's X Page
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