More than 300 Afghan LGBTQIA+ refugees in Pakistan are facing the threat of forced deportation while living under worsening insecurity, discrimination and extreme poverty, according to Afghan human rights activist Omar Jan Sadat.
Sadat said on Tuesday that members of the Afghan LGBTQIA+ community had issued an open letter warning that any forced return to Afghanistan could place their lives at immediate risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They called on international organisations, foreign governments and media outlets to help secure protection and third-country resettlement.
The appeal comes as Pakistan continues its campaign to deport undocumented Afghan nationals, with thousands of refugees and asylum seekers facing increasing pressure to leave despite warnings from international rights groups that many could face persecution if returned.
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Afghanistan has experienced one of the world’s deepest humanitarian crises, marked by widespread poverty, high unemployment and severe restrictions on fundamental rights. Human rights organisations say vulnerable groups, including women, journalists, former government employees, religious minorities and LGBTQIA+ people, face heightened risks under Taliban rule.
Afghan LGBTQIA+ people have long faced social stigma and discrimination, but rights advocates say their situation has deteriorated significantly since the Taliban takeover. Many live in hiding, while those who fled to neighbouring countries report continued insecurity, limited access to legal protection and growing uncertainty as regional governments tighten refugee policies.
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