NGOs accuse the UAE of holding Afghan refugees since 2021

In a statement, HRW argued that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) “should immediately release those who are being arbitrarily detained and provide access to a fair and efficient process to determine their status and protection needs”.

Following the Taliban regime’s takeover of the Afghan capital Kabul on August 15, 2021, the UAE government has evacuated thousands of Afghans to the “Emirati Humanitarian City”, a humanitarian logistics center in Abu Dhabi, and to the Worker City of Tasameem.

While many were later granted asylum in other countries, including the US and Canada, between 2,400 and 2,700 Afghans remained arbitrarily detained in the United Arab Emirates in early January, the human rights organization said.

“Authorities (…) detained thousands of Afghan asylum seekers for more than 15 months in cramped and deplorable conditions, with no hope of progress on their cases,” said Joey Shea, HRW Researcher for UAE.

“After going through a significant amount of trauma while fleeing Afghanistan, they are now facing even more trauma after spending more than a year in limbo in the UAE,” Shea lamented.

According to interviews conducted by US-based HRW, there have been complaints about restrictions on freedom of movement, a lack of access to legal advice and inadequate educational services for children.

Without psychological support, many adults and children suffer from depression and other mental health conditions, the report noted. Living conditions have also deteriorated, with detainees speaking of overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure and insect infestations.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Afghanistan, which has returned to Taliban rule after two decades of US-led military intervention, is suffering from one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises.

About 28.3 million people, about two-thirds of the population, need assistance and protection.

VQ (AZV/APN) // JMC

By Impala News / The day after tomorrow


Clara Burton

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