Taliban tortures Afghan returnees from Pakistan and Iran

In Afghanistan, a recent UN report highlights the dire consequences faced by Afghans who have been forcibly returned from neighboring countries, specifically Iran and Pakistan, amid ongoing expulsion campaigns that have seen millions of Afghans labeled as illegal migrants. The report, released by the UN mission in Afghanistan, indicates that many returnees have suffered severe human rights violations at the hands of the Taliban, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and threats to their personal safety. Disturbingly, individuals returning due to the Taliban's 2021 power takeover are particularly at risk, as they may be targeted based on their past affiliations with the former government, gender, or professional background. Some Afghan women and girls face an even greater threat, experiencing persecution based solely on their gender due to the imposition of strict, discriminatory policies by the Taliban as they attempt to reestablish control over Afghan society. Reports from former government officials and individuals identifying as non-binary detail horrific experiences of torture, including beatings and mock executions, illustrating the brutal reality many face upon their return to Afghanistan. Despite the revelations within the UN report, Taliban authorities have categorically denied any wrongdoing, claiming they provide necessary support to returning Afghans, including documentation and transportation. They argue that those returning are greeted with a 'warm welcome,' attempting to dismiss allegations of mistreatment and questioning the integrity of the UN's assertions. Furthermore, the Taliban has requested the UN to halt forced deportations, urging the international community to assist Afghan refugees with essential needs such as food, medicine, and shelter. However, the situation remains grim, as returnees often find themselves pushed into hiding or forced to relocate due to fears of reprisal by the Taliban. This deteriorating environment is compounded by ongoing challenges faced by Afghans abroad, particularly in Pakistan and Iran, where many Afghans are now at a crossroads, caught in the throes of worsening conditions while also facing diminished support systems for refugees everywhere. The current humanitarian crisis reflects both a legacy of conflict and a pressing call to action for the international community to address the immediate and ongoing needs of those affected.