Afghan Rights Groups Warn of Security Threats Facing Journalists in Iran and Pakistan
Afghan civil society and human rights organisations have warned about the uncertain situation and security risks facing Afghan journalists in Iran and Pakistan, urging both countries to prevent arbitrary arrests and forced deportations.
The Afghanistan Civil Society and Human Rights Organisations (ICSHRA) said in a statement that some Afghan journalists in Iran have been waiting for five years for decisions on their asylum applications.
The organisation warned that delays in processing their cases have left journalists and their families in prolonged uncertainty and distress.
It also said Afghan journalists in Pakistan face police arrests, security pressure and the risk of forced deportation.
The statement warned that returning journalists to Afghanistan against their will could put their lives and safety at serious risk. Some may face threats, arbitrary detention and torture because of their media activities and documentation of human rights violations.
ICSHRA called on the governments of Iran and Pakistan to protect the fundamental rights and security of Afghan journalists and prevent arbitrary detention and forced deportation.
The organisation also urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to accelerate the processing of Afghan journalists’ asylum applications.
