Stranded Afghan Women Face Deportation Amidst Taliban Persecution
Threat looms as Afghan women are compelled to re-enter Taliban rule: The peril is palpable.
A network of volunteers, including Maria Lopez, the vice-president of the NGO Netwomening, is working tirelessly to support Afghan women fleeing the Taliban and assist them with their international protection requests at Spanish embassies. However, in many cases, these requests are denied, leaving these women stranded and facing potential deportation.
The Taliban denies these allegations, claiming a general amnesty in their country, while establishing a gender apartheid system against women. A UN report documents cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and persecution against women, former government officials, journalists, and members of civil society in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
The mass deportations of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan are having a profound impact on high-risk Afghan women. Many of these women face significant challenges upon return, including a lack of access to education and employment, as well as severe restrictions under Taliban rule. The Taliban has imposed bans on women's education beyond sixth grade and prohibited them from attending universities, exacerbating the already dire economic and social conditions in Afghanistan.
High-risk groups, such as women who have worked outside the home or are involved in education, are particularly vulnerable to persecution and violence. The return of millions of people to Afghanistan is not only a national security issue but also poses significant human rights concerns, including the potential for increased violence and discrimination against women.
The Spanish Embassies in Iran and Pakistan have reinforced their consular sections and authorized technical assistance for administrative support and translation staff. However, the processing of international protection requests for high-risk Afghan women appears to be slow, with delays in obtaining appointments at Spanish embassies causing concern. Netwomening has filed complaints with the Ombudsman to speed up the processing of high-risk cases.
Amnesty International highlights that the Taliban are committing the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds against women and denounces the illegal expulsion campaign that puts millions of people at risk, especially women and girls. The organization calls for the immediate halt of mass deportations and the protection of the human rights of Afghan refugees.
The situation is particularly dire for women like a widowed woman caring for two children in Pakistan, who is awaiting a response to her international protection request. The Ombudsman has not yet responded to the request made to the Directorate General for Spaniards Abroad and Consular Affairs.
Mass expulsions from Iran increased with the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran, while deportations from Pakistan respond to the "Plan for the Repatriation of Illegal Foreigners" approved by the Government. Women who have been waiting for four years for an interview at the Spanish embassy have not had their cases expedited, and some are already being deported.
The Taliban's return to power is the reason these women fled to Iran and Pakistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain has listed figures regarding the promotion of transfers for 907 women and 918 minors, including over 408 girls. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that 938,000 Afghans were deported from Iran, and 300,000 were deported from Pakistan. Three women from the same family who are in the Taliban's crosshack due to their professional activities have already been deported and are facing real danger in Afghanistan.
The situation is urgent, and it is crucial that the Spanish government takes swift action to protect these high-risk Afghan women from deportation and the dangers they face in Afghanistan. It is essential that the Spanish Embassy expedites the processing of these cases and that the Ombudsman responds promptly to requests for assistance. The international community must also work together to ensure the safety and protection of these women and other refugees fleeing the Taliban's oppressive regime.
- The Taliban's denial of allegations regarding persecution against women is contradicted by UN reports detailing cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and violation of women's rights in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
- In Spain, a network of volunteers like Maria Lopez of Netwomening is supporting Afghan women, yet many face potential deportation due to denied international protection requests.
- Mental-health issues and women's health concerns may escalate as more Afghan women return to Afghanistan due to severe restrictions, lack of access to education, and job opportunities under Taliban rule.
- The rise in crime and injustice, such as the Taliban's persecution of women, highlights the relevance of crime-and-justice and general-news matters in discussions about migration.
- Political action is necessary to address the urgent human rights concerns stemming from the Taliban's oppressive rules and the mass deportations of high-risk Afghan women and minors, including involvement from governements and the international community.
