The process of taking a decision on international protection of Afghan nationals was recently suspended while the deliberation on this matter was also cut short in the administrative court. Jean Asselborn provided more details regarding this development in a press release by the ministry of foreign affairs.

“In the absence of a complete and reliable source of information, this decision was taken pending clarification of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, particularly in the interests of those who would have had their applications refused,” said Asselborn in the press release.

The minister referenced a recently adopted position by the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) which issued an appeal to all countries to open their territory to civilians fleeing Afghanistan and to respect the principle of non-refoulement. This human rights principle prohibits states from transferring or removing individuals from their jurisdiction or effective control when there are substantial grounds for believing that the person would be at risk of irreparable harm upon return.

The ministry of foreign affairs’ press release referenced the position of the UNHCR which welcomed the suspension on international protection needs until the situation stabilises and reliable human rights information is available.

After the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban rapidly took over control of many important districts of the city culminating with the takeover of the capital Kabul. “This renewed violence has a serious impact on civilians, especially women and children,” says the UNHCR which is one of many human rights organisations worried about the condition of civilians in Afghanistan.

Updated on 6.10.2021 at 19:51.