Humanitarian tragedy looms as Pakistan threatens to expel Afghan refugees

Christian Aid is warning of a fresh humanitarian tragedy as Pakistan threatens to expel 1.4 million "undocumented" Afghan nationals by 1 November.

The development agency said that women, human rights defenders and anyone who worked for Western countries before the Taliban takeover are at risk of reprisals.

Christian Aid's Head of Asia Region, Ramani Leathard, said that the situation in Afghanistan has "deteriorated significantly" due to conflict, violence and "deep-rooted poverty".

She said that the prospect of a harsh winter only adds to the country's woes, and that many may attempt to reach the UK or EU countries.

"The forced return of already extremely vulnerable Afghans, who fled the country after the Taliban takeover, back to a country that is already grappling with hunger and drought, is a huge concern," said Leathard.

Christian Aid has warned that Afghanistan's economy is too fragile to cope with a large-scale influx of refugees and that the situation has been worsened by an earthquake earlier this month as well as cuts to international aid budgets.

It is calling on the UK to provide safe routes for vulnerable Afghan refugees and to put diplomatic pressure on Pakistan not to expel them.

It also wants to see an increase in funding for humanitarian work that supports Afghan refugees.

"The UK hosting next month's Food Security Summit is an opportunity for the international community to find solutions to Afghanistan's continuing hunger issues. Afghanistan must not be forgotten," said Leathard.

UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, estimates that there are 3.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, including 700,000 who fled after the Taliban takeover.

Pakistan has said that those who are not registered as refugees will be deported.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN high commissioner for human rights, said, "We are very worried that those who are deported face a whole host of human rights violations including torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, severe discrimination, and lack of access to basic economic and social needs."

News
Faith in difficult times: lessons from 1930s Britain
Faith in difficult times: lessons from 1930s Britain

Architectural historian Steven Brindle talks to Christian Today about the faith that shaped 1930s Britain, the churches that supported struggling communities and what lessons the decade might have for us today.

Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.