In a move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has hinted at the possibility of sending rejected Afghan asylum seekers back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. This proposal has sparked outrage among aid groups, who argue that it would put the lives of vulnerable individuals at risk. The Home Secretary's comments come as talks between Kabul and EU countries are underway to establish a returns program for individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected. As these negotiations progress, Mahmood has also revealed that additional discussions are taking place within the Whitehall government to further explore the feasibility of such a program, leaving many to wonder if the UK is poised to abandon its commitment to protecting Afghan refugees.
Home secretary indicates Whitehall talks about returns programme, a move that would shock humanitarian groupsShabana Mahmood has refused to rule out sending rejected Afghan asylum seekers back to the Taliban-controlled country.The home secretary said she is “monitoring very closely” talks between Kabul and EU countries about a returns programme for refused claimants. She also indicated that “additional conversations” about Afghan returns were happening inside Whitehall. Continue reading...
