Human rights groups urge Germany to evacuate 1,800 Afghans from Pakistan before year-end, warning of Taliban persecution and deportation risks.
BERLIN: More than 250 human rights groups and NGOs have renewed pressure on the German government to evacuate hundreds of Afghans stranded in Pakistan.
The coalition, including Amnesty International and Save the Children, urged Berlin to bring roughly 1,800 people to Germany before the year ends.
They warned the Afghans face deportation back to Afghanistan and persecution by the Taliban.
Those affected were accepted under a refugee scheme established by the previous government.
They have been stuck in Pakistan since Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May and froze the programme.
Around 350 people have reached Germany after winning legal challenges against the government.
An open letter from the NGOs states most of those left behind are women and children.
“Especially now, during the Christmas season, we remember humanity and compassion,” the letter says.
“Therefore, we appeal to you: Finally bring those to whom we have promised protection to safety.”
The group includes former employees of German armed forces, journalists, human rights activists and LGBT+ community members.
In recent weeks, the government offered those waiting money to forgo their right to settle in Germany.
The interior ministry said only 62 people had accepted the offer by November 18.
Pakistan has been cracking down on Afghans without residence permits since 2023.
Officials insist the country cannot be a “transit camp” for those awaiting Western resettlement.
Germany says it has Pakistani assurances the Afghans will not be deported before year-end, but this deadline cannot be extended.
Merz made a harsher immigration policy a flagship campaign commitment.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved over 20% in February’s election and now leads Merz’s alliance in some polls.
