Here’s the translation into American English:
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A recent report has revealed alarming human rights violations affecting Afghans forced to return to their country, especially since the beginning of 2023. The investigation, conducted by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in conjunction with the UN Human Rights Office, highlights that those affected include women, former officials of the previous government, journalists, and activists. Many have reported being subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, and threats from Taliban authorities.
Since the beginning of the year, nearly two million Afghans have returned to the country, mostly from Pakistan and Iran, and many of these returns have been forced. The report, titled “No Safe Haven,” is based on interviews with 49 individuals who were compelled to return in 2024. Since the Taliban took power in August 2021, thousands of Afghans have fled in search of protection, only to be forced back under circumstances that, according to the UN, violate international law.
The testimonies gathered reveal a permanent state of fear and insecurity among returnees, who are forced to hide due to threats from the authorities. The shared experiences are heartbreaking: a former judge hides for fear of retaliation, and a young woman describes her situation as a total economic dependency on her family in a restrictive environment. A journalist, for her part, refers to her life as “house arrest” due to the limitations imposed on women, including bans on working and accessing education.
Additionally, individuals with diverse gender identities face extreme harassment. A devastating testimony is from a non-binary person who was arrested and assaulted upon their return, highlighting the brutal conditions they face.
The report also makes an urgent call to halt forced deportations, arguing that these violate the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits states from forcing someone to return to a country where their life or freedom would be at risk. Despite international warnings, deportations continue, with many returnees not being adequately assessed in terms of their security risk.
The governments of Pakistan and Iran have expressed their positions: Pakistan defends its repatriation policy, while Iran claims to respect human rights and offer assistance to returnees. Meanwhile, Taliban authorities have denied allegations of rights violations, insisting that any abuses are punished.
According to the report, the situation in Afghanistan lacks the minimum security conditions necessary for returnees, underscoring the urgent need to establish international protection mechanisms.
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