Following the mass expulsion of thousands of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, concerns are rising over the safety and rights of women and girls returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Human rights activists warn that these deportations expose returnees—especially women—to severe risks.
Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani education activist, expressed sorrow over the forced return of Afghan women to Taliban rule.
In her statement, she wrote:
“Sending refugees back to a country under the Taliban’s regime of gender apartheid strips women and girls of their most basic human rights, including access to education, employment, and freedom of expression.”
She called on the Pakistani government to halt the deportations and protect vulnerable families. Malala also urged the international community to open resettlement pathways and recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity in order to increase pressure on the Taliban.
Since April 2, Pakistan has launched the second phase of deporting Afghan migrants, prompting growing concern over the fate of women and girls forced to return to life under Taliban rule.
