UN Rights Expert Declares Forced Return of Afghans Absolutely Prohibited
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, has stated that the principle of non-refoulement is absolute and non-derogable, with no exceptions allowed. He urged the European Union and its member states not to return Afghan citizens to places where they face danger.
On Tuesday, June 23, Bennett wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page that torture remains a real and serious risk in Afghanistan. According to him, the human rights situation in the country is such that returning individuals could expose them to serious threats.
He emphasized that no guarantees or assurances from the Taliban administration can eliminate this risk. These remarks come amid repeated warnings from international organizations about widespread restrictions and violations of fundamental rights, especially targeting women and critics.
Bennett made this statement in response to the European Union’s decision to invite a delegation from the Taliban administration to Brussels to discuss the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers. This decision has raised concerns regarding its potential implications for the rights and protection of Afghan refugees.
