US Religious Organisation Warns Against Deporting Afghan Christian Refugees
The International Christian Concern (ICC), a US-based organisation, has expressed concern over the potential deportation of Afghan Christian refugees from the United States.
The International Christian Concern (ICC), a US-based organisation, has expressed concern over the potential deportation of Afghan Christian refugees from the United States.
The organisation stated that Afghan Christian refugees have received official notices indicating they could be deported to Afghanistan at any moment.
The ICC noted that its findings suggest that while US authorities show empathy towards Afghan Christian refugees, they have been unwilling to provide firm guarantees or substantial assistance. According to the statement, US officials have directed Afghan Christian refugees to pursue their cases through standard immigration channels.
The religious organisation raised its concerns following a report published last week by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The USCIRF, also based in the US, stated in its report that the Taliban continues to suppress and target religious minorities in Afghanistan.
Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the USCIRF, said: “If forced to return to Afghanistan, all Afghans, including religious minorities, are at severe risk of persecution.”
The ICC highlighted that Afghan Christians are primarily first-generation converts from Islam, who, if identified, face extremely severe penalties. The Taliban, driven by its ideological stance, considers conversion from Islam to be “apostasy,” which carries heavy punishments, including execution.
The ICC also noted that with the suspension of the US refugee admissions programme following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the intake of religious groups facing persecution has been halted. The organisation’s statement explained that prior to the suspension, ethnic and religious minorities at risk of persecution could apply for refugee status. However, with the programme’s suspension, some refugees previously approved for entry into the US have been transferred to camps abroad.
The USCIRF has called for the reinstatement of Temporary Protected Status for Afghan refugees. Asif Mahmood, Vice-Chair of the USCIRF, stated: “By prioritizing vulnerable Afghan religious minorities, the administration and Congress signal their commitment to freedom of religion or belief.”
