As the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign begins, HOVIAT – Women’s Identity expresses its deep concern over the violent actions and inhumane treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan—particularly women, girls, and families who fled to this country in search of safety. Reports indicate arbitrary arrests, harassment, intimidation, and pressure for forced return—behavior that not only contradicts basic humanitarian principles but also violates international standards for refugee protection. These actions come at a time when the human rights situation in Afghanistan remains extremely dire. Women and girls are deprived of education, employment, and even their most basic rights. Forcing them back under such conditions exposes them to severe risks of violence, persecution, and irreversible harm. Returning individuals to a place where their lives, dignity, and freedom are in danger constitutes a clear violation of the international principle of non-Refoulement. Given the worsening situation and the rise in violence coinciding with the global campaign to end violence against women, HOVIAT – Women’s Identity calls on the international community to take urgent and coordinated action as follows:

1. To the Government of Pakistan:
   We urge adherence to humanitarian principles and international refugee law. Afghan refugees must be treated peacefully and without violence, and arbitrary arrests, harassment, and forced deportations must be halted immediately.
2. To the governments responsible for processing Afghan refugees’ asylum cases:
   We request that procedures, case reviews, and resettlement processes be accelerated, ensuring refugees are transferred as soon as possible to safe, protected temporary facilities.
3. To the United Nations, UNHCR, and international human rights organizations:
   We call for immediate intervention, on-the-ground monitoring, and protective measures to prevent continued violence, rights violations, and forced returns.
4. To women’s rights defenders and relevant organizations:
   HOVIAT – Women’s Identity urges Afghan women’s rights advocates, civil society activists, and support organizations to:
   • Continue their advocacy with persistence and determination,
   • Use every legitimate tool available to amplify the voices of displaced women,
   • Bring the stories of affected women to the attention of the global community,
   • Prevent the silencing of women amid crisis. HOVIAT also calls on refugees especially women and girls under pressure to remain steadfast, courageous, and hopeful for the future. We reaffirm our commitment to continue our advocacy and tireless efforts until Afghanistan becomes a safe home for all its citizens a home where women and men enjoy their legal, human, and fundamental rights without discrimination. We firmly believe that with the continued resistance of Afghan women and the solidarity of the international community, a brighter future is within reach.