by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the
Commission and Council
(05 September
2002)
Subject: Mass repatriation of Afghan refugees
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The prevailing insecurity in
Afghanistan, which is related to the climate of violence in the country -
ongoing conflict, crime, banditry, the violation of women's rights, the
presence of mines and the American forces' bombing campaign - together with
the incapacity to absorb repatriated Afghans, are a direct threat to the safe
return of Afghan refugees who are displaced internally in the country and
abroad. In its report entitled "Continuing
need for protection and standards for return of Afghan refugees",
Amnesty International expresses concern at the policy of mass repatriation
promoted by the UNHCR in cooperation with the countries sheltering Afghan
refugees, stressing that, in such circumstances, international standards
should apply, as they are of vital importance to ensure that Afghan refugees
can return in safety and dignity. Otherwise, the organisation warns that the
situation may result in renewed cycles of displacement. Will the Commission intervene to prevent
the use of compulsory and coercive measures to return to Afghanistan refugees
who may suffer serious human rights abuses, and to ensure that international
standards of protection for refugees are applied? |