Civil society organizations in Sweden called for return stop of Afghan migrants

In a virtual conversation with Wafiullah Kakar, Deputy Minister for Refugee Affair, a number of civil society and humanitarian organizations in Sweden called for finding a solution to stop the forced return of Afghan migrants from Sweden on 13 June 2021.

Expressing concern over the growing number of COVID-19 infections and the insecurity in Afghanistan, they considered the return of migrants not as acceptable. They requested the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations to express its disagreement with the Swedish government during official talks.

Deputy Minister Kakar stated that a joint declaration between Afghanistan and the European Union and a bilateral memorandum of understanding with Sweden had been signed. According to both declarations, vulnerable groups, including children, youth, women, sick persons, and the elderly, are exempted from forced repatriations. Furthermore, separation of families is also not allowed based on these documents.

Deputy Minister Kakar expressed his appreciation to the Afghan civil society and humanitarian organizations in Sweden supporting the interests of Afghan migrants.