NAI, the organization supporting free media in Afghanistan now operating in exile, has described the deportation of Afghan journalists from Pakistan as “sending them to their deaths.” The organization has called on the Pakistani government to stop deporting vulnerable individuals, including journalists and media workers, to Afghanistan.
In a statement, NAI said that deporting journalists violates all international human rights and civil rights standards. The organization emphasized that countries that have joined international human rights declarations and covenants must act according to their global commitments and must not put any vulnerable person in danger.
In the latest case, sources among Afghan migrants in Pakistan reported that Pakistani police have arrested Fatema Hamnawa, an Afghan journalist, along with her two young children.
NAI, the organization supporting free media in Afghanistan, has called on the Pakistani government to release Ms. Hamnawa immediately and to facilitate the extension of her visa.
The organization stressed that the government of Pakistan had pledged to prevent the arrest and deportation of Afghan human rights activists, journalists, media workers, and others whose lives are at risk in Afghanistan.
NAI urged the Pakistani government to honor its commitments and to stop deporting vulnerable individuals, including human rights activists, journalists, and media workers, to Afghanistan.
Human rights organizations have also repeatedly warned that Afghan journalists in Iran are at risk of deportation to Afghanistan.
Over the past four years, a number of journalists and civil activists have sought refuge in neighboring countries due to threats and insecurity in Afghanistan.
