Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Germany’s recent deportation of Afghan migrants, accusing the country of ignoring the dire situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
In a report released on Monday, HRW described the human rights crisis in Afghanistan as “catastrophic,” citing widespread abuses, public floggings, and the near-total exclusion of women from public life. The organization argued that Afghanistan is not a safe country for deportees, regardless of their criminal status.
The German government, however, defended its decision, with a spokesperson stating that the deported individuals were “convicted criminals who had no legal right to remain in Germany.” The spokesperson added that the government’s actions were in line with international and domestic legal frameworks.
HRW criticized this rationale, stressing that “no one, regardless of the crimes they may have committed, should be sent back to a country where they risk serious human rights violations.” The organization also highlighted a United Nations declaration advising that no one should be forcibly returned to Afghanistan given the current conditions.
The deportation flight, which took place last week, marked the first such transfer since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. A total of 28 Afghan nationals were aboard.
HRW also warned that Germany’s decision could set a dangerous precedent, urging the government not to abandon fundamental human rights principles for short-term political gains.
The move has sparked a broader debate within Germany about how to balance domestic security concerns with international obligations to protect vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict zones like Afghanistan.
