The government must open its doors to refugees from Afghanistan fleeing uncertainty in the country following Taliban takeover, Amnesty International South Africa said today.
The country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it was unable to accommodate a request that South Africa host Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan, en-route to their final destination.
“The international community, including South Africa, must do everything they can to ensure that all those at risk of being targeted by the Taliban are promptly evacuated and that those who want to flee Afghanistan are welcome and protected,” said Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa .
“The international community should keep their borders open and share the responsibility for the protection and assistance of refugees. They can do it through humanitarian aid and by opening and increasing safe and legal pathways to protection,” Mohamed adds.
“We are calling on the South African government to fulfil its international obligation to protect those who are in need.”
Background
In a press statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it had noted the overtures made to South Africa to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan. However, it was unable to accommodate the request.
The department said that South Africa was already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs. The department further said that most of them already benefit from the Social Assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Genevieve Quintal, Media and Communications Officer, Amnesty International South Africa: +27 (0)64 890 9224; genevieve.quintal@amnesty.org.za
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