Poland Resumes Deportations of Afghans Despite European Court Ruling

The Polish daily newspaper “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” has reported that Poland has resumed the deportation of Afghan nationals despite temporary protective measures issued by the European Court of Human Rights. According to the report, Polish authorities organize deportations on a case-by-case basis, and the process of returning Afghans continues.

In one incident registered on April 10, three Afghan citizens were transferred from Poland to Uzbekistan and then sent to Kabul without the accompaniment of Polish forces, although the European Court of Human Rights had previously ordered a halt to their deportation.

The report adds that these individuals were detained for about a week upon arrival at Kabul airport and were then sent back to Uzbekistan, only to be returned to Kabul for a second time. According to published information, at least one of these individuals was ultimately granted entry permission into Afghanistan.

The Polish Border Guard stated that each deportation case is reviewed individually and that the legal status of the individual and the conditions in their home country are considered in decisions. However, the agency confirmed that after the individuals are handed over to Afghan authorities, it does not have information about their subsequent fate or status.

While the Taliban administration faces widespread criticism regarding human rights and its treatment of returnees, migrant rights organizations have expressed concern about the consequences of forcibly returning Afghan nationals. The uncertain fate of deported individuals has raised questions about the extent to which international obligations are being upheld during this process.

This report is based on information from the Polish Ministry of Interior and was published by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).