Over 2,000 Afghan asylum requests were rejected in the UK during the last quarter of 2024, sparking concerns about a growing hostile environment for refugees, rights activists warn, reports Khaama Press.
The UK Home Office statistics released on Thursday show a dramatic drop in the acceptance rate for Afghan asylum applications, falling from 98.5% in late 2023 to just 36% in the final quarter of 2024. This sharp decline has led to increased fears among refugee advocates about the treatment of Afghan asylum seekers.
While the Home Office maintains that no one will be sent back to Afghanistan, a leaked document reveals that the UK government has halted both forced and voluntary returns to the country. The UK also no longer recognizes travel documents issued by the Afghan embassy in London, due to the Taliban’s control of the country. The British government refuses to acknowledge the Taliban as a legitimate ruling body.
Human rights advocates are alarmed by the rejections of asylum claims, especially given the ongoing instability and danger in Afghanistan. Louise Calvey, the executive director of a UK refugee support organization, voiced her concerns, stating, “It is deeply troubling that people whose need for asylum is clear are being rejected. No one can look at Afghanistan’s situation and believe it’s safe to return people to the Taliban regime.”
Despite these challenges, refugee advocacy groups continue to push for the UK government to establish a more compassionate asylum system that accurately reflects the dangers faced by those fleeing war and persecution. They stress the importance of a humanitarian approach, particularly as Afghanistan’s future remains uncertain.
As the debate over Afghanistan’s asylum seekers continues, the UK government’s treatment of Afghan refugees remains under scrutiny from both human rights groups and the international community. With no immediate resolution in sight, many fear that thousands of vulnerable refugees may continue to be left in limbo.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
