Brief Report on the FAROE Conference June 23
Brief Report on the FAROE Conference
“The World: From Reluctance to Accept to the Forced Repatriation of Afghan Refugees”
(Commemorating World Refugee Week)
Date: June 23, 2025
This conference was convened at a time when the forced expulsion of Afghan nationals particularly by regional countries such as Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey has escalated dramatically, marked by unprecedented and deeply inhumane methods. The forced repatriation of Afghan asylum seekers has intensified while, within Afghanistan, systemic violations of internationally recognized human rights standards persist, including widespread injustice and the complete exclusion of women from social, educational, and economic spheres.
Under such dire circumstances, the Afghan people particularly women and the younger generation are left with no viable alternative but to flee their homeland and seek refuge in neighboring countries.
The conference was honored by the presence of Mr. Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan Despite prior commitments at another event in Türkiye, Mr. Bennett graciously accepted FAROE’s invitation, delivering a keynote address and lending distinguished prestige to the occasion.
Conference Format:
The proceedings were conducted in both English and Dari, moderated by Ms. Mina Rafiq, a prominent human rights defender and member of FAROE’s Board of Directors.:
Distinguished Participants:
The conference brought together experts, researchers, international law and human rights specialists, as well as Afghan refugee rights activists residing across Europe, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Their insightful and substantive presentations are summarized below.
Program Outline
The conference commenced at approximately 6:00 PM with the playing of “Da Zemung Zeba Watan“ (Our Beautiful Homeland), a renowned piece by the late Ustad Awalmeer.
Following this, moderator Ms. Mina Rafiq welcomed attendees, provided a brief overview of the agenda, and proposed the formation of a drafting committee to prepare the conference resolution. The committee comprised:
- Dr. Abbas Faiz
- Dr. Hedayat
- Engineer Aziz Rafiee
- Judge Ahmad Ratib Faqiri
This proposal was unanimously approved by both the nominees and participants. Ms. Rafiq then invited Mr. Ali Daliry, Chairman of FAROE, to formally inaugurate the conference.
..
Opening Address by Mr. Daliry, Chairman of FAROE
“Honorable Guests, Distinguished Speakers, and Esteemed participants,
On behalf of FAROE, the Federation of Afghan Residence in Europe, I extend my warmest welcome to each of you.
Today, we gather to amplify our voices, share our collective concerns, and seek collaborative solutions to one of the most pressing crises of our time: the forced displacement and repatriation of Afghan refugees.
It is both an honor and a profound privilege to inaugurate this conference at such a critical juncture a moment that demands urgent attention to these grave humanitarian challenges. With hearts heavy from the weight of exile yet steadfast in our hope for return and rebuilding, we commence today’s proceedings under the theme: ‘From Hesitation to Protection to Forced Repatriation: The Plight of Afghan Refugees,’ held in observance of World Refugee Day.
May this conference yield meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes. I wish you all a productive and insightful session.”
.“Discussions and Debates on Afghan Refugees in the Swedish Parliament,”
Mrs. Annika Hirvonen, Member of Swedish Parliament since 2014 and Group leader of the Green Party in the Swedish Parliament. Committed to protecting human rights and advocates especially the rights of refugees in Sweden.
Mrs. Hirvonen stated in her address:
“A decade ago, Sweden witnessed a massive influx of refugees, including tens of thousands of Afghans, the majority of whom were unaccompanied minors. The asylum system was unprepared for such an unexpected surge, and the existing refugee laws came under scrutiny. Since then, my party and others have been at the forefront of advocating for more humane asylum policies. However, political forces pushing for the erosion of humanitarian principles in these laws have prevailed, resulting in increasingly restrictive asylum regulations in Sweden.
These stringent policies have made life exceedingly difficult for asylum seekers and refugees. Family reunification is now subject to extensive conditions and limitations. Previously, recognized refugees were granted permanent residency, but today, this has been reduced to a temporary three-year permit, with extensions contingent on strict criteria. We in the West have strayed far from our former position as staunch defenders of human rights. Currently, a negative stance toward refugees dominates public discourse, not only in Europe but also in the United States.
Yet, we must persist in upholding human dignity, particularly in the context of Afghanistan. We must carefully consider the dire realities faced by its people. Sweden has always stood in solidarity with Afghanistan, and when discussing its future, we must collectively reaffirm our commitment to a just and democratic society where human rights are respected. Once again, I thank you for the invitation to speak today.”. »
Mr. Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan began by expressing his gratitude for the invitation and proceeded with the following statement:
“I would like to briefly address the report I presented last week to the UN Human Rights Council concerning justice and human rights in Afghanistan, particularly the dire situation of women and girls. It is evident that the Taliban are intensifying their oppressive measures against women and girls, creating an increasingly suffocating environment.
While my report did not specifically focus on refugees, I must emphasize that Afghanistan is not a safe country. However, as my colleague Dr. Abbas Faiz has rightly pointed out, I am aware that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has prohibited the forced return of Afghan nationals to their home country. Additionally, several European nations have been granting residency to Afghan women asylum seekers without undue complications. At the same time, I am also aware that some European countries continue to carry out deportations.
I have consistently voiced my concerns regarding journalists and human rights defenders, particularly the risks they face if forcibly returned by neighboring countries. In this regard, I strongly recommend the revival of policies prioritizing vulnerable groups. Wealthier nations must increase financial support to host countries in the region, which bear the overwhelming responsibility of sheltering the majority of Afghan refugees.”. »
“The Rise of Populism and the Future of Global Asylum Systems.”
Dr. Abbas Faiz, a human rights scholar and Professor at a London University.
Dr. Faiz began his remarks as follows:
“Today, in addition to the systematic deprivation of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan and their erasure from public life, poverty and unemployment have become pervasive. Furthermore, the Taliban have arbitrarily detained and imprisoned large numbers of academics, poets, artists, doctors, civil society activists, human rights defenders, and individuals from various other segments of society. Given these circumstances, it is hardly surprising that a significant number of Afghan citizens are seeking asylum abroad, including in European countries. But are they receiving the protection they deserve? Absolutely not.
Afghan asylum seekers in neighboring countries particularly Iran and Pakistan face severe discrimination and pressure, with host governments forcibly deporting them back to an Afghanistan ruled by the Taliban’s tyranny and violence. Even in Europe, Afghan refugees are denied the support they are entitled to. European governments dismiss them as ‘economic migrants,’ while the rise of right-wing populism has led not only to far-right factions but even moderate left-wing parties hesitating to defend their rights.
It is therefore imperative to remind these political actors and policymakers of their international obligations. They must uphold their responsibilities and extend meaningful protection to asylum seekers.”.»
“Why Afghans Comprise the Largest Refugee Population“
Ms. Lotte Hydström, A former spokesperson for the Green Party in Sweden and 8 years member of the Swedish Parliament. former board member and chairperson of the Swedish Solidarity Committee for Afghanistan, delivered a powerful address that began with a reflection on foundational principles of refugee protection. She invoked the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), adopted after World War II and ratified by nearly all nations, which in Article 14 guarantees every individual’s right to seek asylum from persecution. This right was further codified in the 1951 Refugee Convention, defining refugees as those fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in particular social groups, or political opinion.
Ms. Hedström emphasized that these legal frameworks remain incomplete when the humanitarian spirit behind them is not embraced by all actors in the asylum process. Without shared empathy, she argued that successful integration becomes unattainable, and host nations risk viewing refugees through a lens of burden rather than potential. “Refugees should not inherently be seen as liabilities,” she stated, “noting that in the long term, they can contribute valuable skills and knowledge to both their host societies and countries of origin. Her remarks carried particular significance regarding Afghanistan, whose citizens represent the world’s largest refugee population, underscoring the urgent need for policies that recognize refugees’ dignity and potential rather than treating them as temporary problems to be managed”.
The address concluded with a call to align practice with principle – urging nations to move beyond short-term calculations and fulfill their moral and legal obligations through compassionate, sustainable approaches to refugee protection. Ms. Hedström’s speech framed refugee crises not merely as challenges but as opportunities for societies to demonstrate their commitment to human rights and mutual growth, offering a vision of global solidarity that transcends borders and circumstances of displacement..»
“Global Powers and the Manufacture of Refugee Crises”
Prof. Tordiqol Maimanagi, Political Activist and Human Rights Activist, Member of the Leadership Council of the Assembly of Scholars and the Cultural Federation of Afghan Turks, Member of Advisory Board FAROE began his address by contextualizing forced displacement as a fundamental human phenomenon: “The flight from calamity and danger is as old as humanity itself.” He then analyzed contemporary drivers of migration through a geopolitical lens, stating:
“Proxy wars have become a strategic necessity in various global hotspots, with migration now serving as a tool for political, economic, and ideological manipulation. This dual exploitation both domestic and international has ensnared our world in perpetual cycles of displacement.”
The professor presented a scathing critique of systemic conflict engineering: “The deliberate instigation of proxy wars across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe including Afghanistan by major powers such as the EU, United States, Britain, Russia, and China reveals to any rational observer that endless migration stems directly from these perpetual, manufactured conflicts. These orchestrated crises maintain migration flows in constant eruption.”
His analysis traced contemporary displacement crises to their structural roots in great power competition, challenging conventional narratives about refugee movements while implicating global actors in their creation and perpetuation..»
“The Consequences of Neglecting Refugee Rights for Host Countries”
Tom Syring, Chairman of Human Rights Research League, A research based human rights NGO with consultative status at the United Nations (ECOSOC) examined the consequences of host countries neglecting refugee protections, with particular focus on Afghanistan. He outlined several critical concerns regarding current practices:
The revocation of asylum status based on claimed improvements in source countries represents a common termination strategy by host states. Regarding Afghanistan, while political changes have occurred, these developments have been negative. Even if political conditions were to improve, the acute poverty crisis means forced returns would likely create humanitarian disasters.
Mr. Searing highlighted specific dangers for former government officials, noting that repatriation exposes them to revenge attacks and violations of their fundamental rights to life and liberty – creating potential complications for host governments.
He emphasized the vital role of human rights organizations: “Awareness of ground realities in source countries enables more accurate reporting and better deterrence against unjust deportations.” He called for systematic sharing of information from in-country sources with human rights bodies, as their verified reports provide crucial evidence for refugees’ legal defenses.
The presentation concluded with a firm reminder: “For host countries, protecting refugees constitutes not merely a moral duty but a legal obligation under international law.” Mr. Searing urged refugee advocacy organizations to prioritize monitoring and challenging improper revocation of protected status..»
“Motivations and Factors Behind Migration from Afghanistan “
Eng. Aziz Rafiee, Civil Society and Human Rights Activist, Chairman of the Afghan Civil Society Forum (ACSF) had a presentation, he systematically analyzed the key factors compelling Afghans to flee their homeland. He identified several interconnected drivers:
The primary motivations include the suppression of fundamental freedoms, fear of arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The collapse of the education system, absence of a transparent and fair judicial framework, and lack of accountable governance were highlighted as structural push factors. Widespread poverty, economic crisis, and unemployment further exacerbate the situation.
Mr. Rafiee emphasized additional critical elements intensifying displacement: the dismantling of educational infrastructure has eradicated future prospects for youth, particularly girls denied access to schooling. The systematic exclusion of women from public life through work and education bans, coupled with overt gender discrimination, has created intolerable conditions. The breakdown of social services in health, education, and social protection has left the population without essential support systems.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Rafiee stated: “The Taliban have not merely occupied our past – they have stolen our future.” This powerful summation underscored the comprehensive nature of the crisis and its devastating intergenerational impact.».
“The Right to Move with Residence Privilege? A Genealogy of Afghan Migration in an Unequal Global Order”
Dr. Aliya Yilmaz, Lecturer at University in Turkey, two PhD holder, specializing in the education and societal status of Afghan women. was invited by Ms. Mina Rafiq to present her analysis on the complex dynamics surrounding Afghan migration and asylum-seeking in today’s unequal world system. In her address, Dr. Yılmaz made several critical observations: “For Afghans, seeking asylum represents a struggle for survival, with their existence and freedom threatened by proxy group governance. However, host countries do not treat asylum seekers from different nations equally. There exists a discriminatory mindset particularly toward refugees from war-torn countries, with prejudgments often made based on nationality alone.”
Dr. Yılmaz highlighted how Afghans face specific challenges: “Regarding Afghan refugees, we see a security-dominated discourse. Host governments tend to view them primarily through a lens of potential security risk, which creates an environment where refugees cannot feel secure.”
Addressing potential solutions, she argued: “While human rights form the cornerstone of the United Nations system, their implementation varies significantly across nations. We must advocate for formal recognition at the highest levels of global institutions to establish mechanisms for monitoring how these rights are actually implemented.”
The presentation concluded with a call for systemic change in how the international community approaches refugee rights, particularly for populations like Afghans who face compounded challenges of security-focused policies and unequal treatment in host countries.».
“Racial Discrimination Against Asylum Seekers and Refugees is a Systemic Problem: What Responsibilities Do Host Countries and Civil Societies Have in Combating This Phenomenon?”
Mr. Sabur Zamani, M.A. in Educational Sciences from Freie Universität Berlin, Director of the Afghan Culture House in Berlin, and Member of the Advisory Board of FAROE address the pervasive issue of racial discrimination against refugees and asylum seekers, framing it as a systemic injustice perpetuated through both formal and informal structures. He emphasized that “discrimination is often reinforced through dominant media narratives, political discourse, and legal or administrative practices, making it a deeply entrenched challenge”:
He argued that “combating such discrimination requires political will, structural reforms, and legal action within governments. However, in cases where states themselves institutionalize discriminatory policies, the responsibility to fight this injustice falls upon civil society organizations, human rights groups, and independent associations. Organizations like FARR, which advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, play a crucial role in this struggle”.
Mr. Zamani underscored the need for coordinated efforts between civil society and international human rights mechanisms to hold governments accountable and push for equitable policies. His remarks highlighted the moral and practical imperative for host societies to address systemic discrimination and uphold the dignity of displaced populations.».
” “The Suffering and Fate of Afghan Refugees in Turkey”
Dr. Hashim Danish, Political Analyst and Human Rights Activist
began his address by emphasizing the critical importance of defending refugee rights in today’s global context. He then focused on the plight of Afghan refugees in Turkey, condemning the harsh policies they face.
Dr. Danish criticized regional countries, including Turkey, for justifying the deportation of Afghans who entered illegally, calling it an absurd argument. He stressed that refugees fleeing their homeland do not have the opportunity to obtain passports or visas, as they are not traveling for leisure but for survival. He urged strong opposition to such policies.
In Turkey, residence permits for all who entered irregularly since 2021 have been revoked, leaving them at risk of deportation. Turkish authorities, he noted, disregard the roles these individuals held under the previous Afghan government and the dangers deportation poses to them. Upon arrival at Kabul airport, Taliban intelligence officials fingerprint deportees, identify those with prior government ties, and detain them for interrogation. Many of these individuals subsequently disappear. Dr. Danish posed a poignant question: Is this not a crime against humanity?
His remarks highlighted the grave risks faced by deported Afghans and called for urgent international attention to what he described as systematic human rights violations.»
“Policies and Challenges Facing Refugees in Sweden”
Liisa Korvenranta, Board Member in FARR, Swedish network of refugee support, volunteer since 2015, a long-time advocate for unaccompanied minor Afghan asylum seekers, delivered a speech addressing the current policies and difficulties encountered by refugees in Sweden. During her presentation, she highlighted several critical issues.
She noted that “it is currently difficult to determine the exact number of Afghan citizens residing in Sweden, though estimates suggest approximately 26,000 individuals. Additionally, a significant number of undocumented Afghans remain in the country. At present, Swedish migration authorities are unable to forcibly deport individuals back to Afghanistan. If these individuals do not leave Sweden voluntarily, they remain in a legal limbo.
Since December 2022, all Afghan women and girls in Sweden have been granted refugee status. However, obtaining residency permits remains a significant challenge for Afghan men. Many have been living in Sweden for over a decade and have submitted asylum applications for the second time”.
The speaker emphasized the complexities of Sweden’s asylum policies and the precarious situation faced by Afghan refugees, particularly those without legal documentation. The discussion underscored the need for continued attention to the evolving challenges within the Swedish migration system. »
“The Deteriorating Situation of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan“
Ms. Sara Latifi, a defense lawyer based in Pakistan, she outlined the critical challenges faced by Afghan asylum seekers in Pakistan and presented the following recommendations to the international community:
- Immediate diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to halt forced deportations and arbitrary detentions;
- Expedited resettlement processes for Afghans at high risk;
- Establishment of legal pathways for temporary residence, particularly for children, women, and the medically vulnerable;
- Increased financial and technical support to international organizations such as UNHCR to enhance refugee assistance programs;
- International monitoring of conditions in Afghan detention centers and refugee camps across Pakistan.
*The conference also intended to feature a speech by Mr. Nasim Nazari, a public law expert, writer, and former professor at Rabia Balkhi University, under the title “Afghan Refugees in Iran: Challenges and Realities.” Regrettably, due to wartime disruptions and internet blackouts in Iran, Mr. Nazari was unable to participate..
“Afghan Refugees in Britain: A Neglected Crisis“
Ms. Fryal Aqua, Master of Legal and Public Law, was the next speaker at the conference. She stated in part:
“We have observed that when political will exists, the European Union can act swiftly. The implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive, activated in response to the war in Ukraine, demonstrated this clearly. However, Afghan asylum seekers have not been afforded the same urgency. Following its departure from the EU, the UK has pursued its own distinct asylum policies. Programs such as the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), designed to relocate and support Afghans, and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), aimed at providing refuge to Afghan nationals, have been introduced—yet their implementation has been slow and plagued by bureaucratic obstacles. Thousands of eligible Afghans remain in limbo, while others seeking asylum through irregular routes face rejections, restrictive visa policies, and the threat of deportation.”».
“Challenges Faced by Deported Afghan migrants”
Dr. Akram Azimi’s address concerning the plight of deported Afghan migrants presents a meticulously detailed assessment. In his remarks, he highlighted the severe hardships endured by individuals and families expelled from Iran and Pakistan—a population now exceeding one million. Among the key issues raised were the lack of shelter and housing, exacerbated by soaring property prices following the mass deportation of Afghan migrants. Additionally, he noted widespread unemployment and extreme poverty, the absence of valid identity and citizenship documents, and systemic exclusion from essential healthcare, education, and social services. Distrust in government institutions, discrimination, and violence further compound their vulnerabilities. Dr. Azimi also expressed concern over the potential radicalization of returning youth amid these dire conditions. He concluded by emphasizing that the current government lacks the necessary financial resources to adequately address these pressing challenges..»
“ “Sweden’s Anti-Asylum Policies Toward Afghan Refugees”
Mr. Ali Zardadi, the final speaker at the conference, addressed Sweden’s restrictive asylum policies and their impact on Afghan refugees. He identified himself as one of the 40,000 Afghans who sought asylum in Sweden in 2015 and shared insights into the challenges faced by his peers who, like him, were granted residency.
Mr. Zardadi acknowledged that this group has achieved notable success in the labor market and academic institutions. However, even these individuals continue to encounter significant legal obstacles. A major issue is the non-recognition of Afghan documents by Swedish authorities, creating barriers to obtaining Swedish citizenship. Despite their accomplishments, they face persistent legal challenges, including the risk of residency revocation, stringent naturalization requirements, and the potential annulment of previously granted citizenship.
His remarks underscored the precarious situation of Afghan refugees in Sweden, even for those who have integrated successfully. The discussion highlighted systemic difficulties within Sweden’s immigration framework, particularly concerning documentation and long-term legal security for Afghan nationals.».
Closing Session of the Conference
Following the speeches, a short documentary film titled “The Lives of Deported Afghans in the Media” produced by the FAROE Media Committee was screened, depicting the struggles of expelled Afghans as reflected in press coverage. Subsequently, the conference proceeded to the Q&A session, where participants posed questions to both the speakers and FAROE as the organizing body. Detailed responses were provided to each inquiry.
Before concluding, the Drafting Committee was given the floor to explain its working procedure. Mr. Faqiri, representing the committee, stated that members would collaboratively draft a resolution based on conference notes. The draft would then be shared with all participants whose contact information was collected for feedback within a 24-hour review period. After incorporating submitted suggestions, the finalized resolution would be forwarded to Faro’s General Secretariat for publication.
Closing
To conclude the event, the moderator invited Mr. Ali Daliry, Chair of FAROE, to deliver the closing address. Addressing the organizers, speakers, technical assistants and attendees, Mr. Deliri remarked:
“I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you, today’s success was only possible through your collective efforts. My final hope is that one day, in our homeland Afghanistan, we may hold a conference titled ‘Memories of Exile,’ where our compatriots, in a peaceful and free environment, can reflect on the bitter and sweet experiences of displacement.”.»
Federation of Afghan Resident Organizations in Europe (FAROE)