International Rescue Committee: European countries failed to settle Afghan refugees

In its latest report, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) accused the EU countries of neglecting Afghan refugees and said that millions of people are in limbo in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. This committee’s report titled “Two years later: There is still no safe way for Afghans”, was published today (Wednesday, 10th of June). The report warned that millions of Afghans are in limbo in Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, and a small number of asylum seekers who have reached European countries are still being resettled. In addition, it is stated that the European Union countries have resettled only 271 Afghan refugees in 2022, which is only 0.1% of the 270 thousand people who need resettlement. The International Rescue Committee emphasized that Afghan citizens still do not have safe ways to reach European countries. This committee says that European countries have failed to implement their plan for the safe settlement of Afghan refugees. The report further states that these asylum seekers are disappointed with the plans of the European Union and continue to face great obstacles. According to the information provided, millions of Afghans are stuck in uncertainty in the region or on the borders of Europe, and some of them embark on dangerous journeys in search of security and protection. The report quoted David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, as saying: “This report shows the staggering indifference of EU member states to Afghans, putting them at risk at every stage of their journey in search of protection.” He adds that if EU countries are serious about supporting Afghans, they must immediately expand safe routes to Europe and treat all Afghans seeking protection with dignity, regardless of how they arrive on their territory. He said there is no excuse for treating Afghan citizens and other asylum seekers differently. This is despite the fact that European countries have been accused of double behavior towards Afghan asylum seekers. With the start of the war in Ukraine and millions of Ukrainians becoming refugees, it has proven this even more. It should be mentioned that with the dominance of the caretaker government in Afghanistan, a wave of migration of Afghan citizens started. Most of the asylum seekers are trying to reach Europe, but this path is extremely difficult and time-consuming.