Organizations call for immediate transfer of Afghan refugees to Germany

KABUL: A number of human rights organizations have urged Germany to transfer over 2,000 Afghan refugees currently in Pakistan to the country. According to German media reports, the refugees face the risk of deportation to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Organizations such as Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, Caritas, the German Lawyers’ Association, and Médecins Sans Frontières have sent a letter to the German Foreign and Interior Ministers, calling for urgent action to facilitate the transfer of these individuals. The letter emphasizes the need to shorten security review times and expedite visa issuance, demanding the immediate evacuation of Afghans with acceptance promises from Pakistan to Germany. They stressed that Germany should enhance its cooperation with Pakistan, international partners, and civil society organizations to prevent deportations and detentions, ensuring safe exits for individuals. The signatories of the letter highlighted Germany’s special responsibility towards these refugees, as they trusted Germany and are now facing threats due to their work in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Afghanistan. Previously, the German Interior Minister stated that immediate transfer of eligible refugees was not possible due to security concerns.