Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has voiced her strong opposition to Pakistan’s policy of deporting undocumented Afghan migrants, expressing particular concern for the future of women and girls being sent back to Afghanistan.
Malala, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, highlighted the grave risks faced by Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule. “It is deeply concerning that Pakistan is forcing Afghan refugees based in Pakistan back into Afghanistan, and I’m deeply concerned about the women and girls,” Malala stated.
Despite the extension of stay permits for Afghan refugees, Islamabad announced this week that it would begin deporting illegal migrants. Since last year, over 600,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan following the government’s order for undocumented migrants to leave or face arrest. Human rights monitors have raised alarms about the potential persecution awaiting those deported, especially given the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights and education since their return to power in 2021.
Malala, who was forced to move to the UK after surviving a Taliban assassination attempt for advocating girls’ education, emphasized the tragic consequences of these deportations. “A lot of these girls in Pakistan were studying, they were in school, these women were doing work,” she said. “I hope that Pakistan reverses its policy and that they protect girls and women especially because of the dark future that they would be witnessing in Afghanistan.”
On her birthday, which is recognized by the UN as Malala Day, she also addressed the broader issue of gender apartheid in Afghanistan. She criticized the UN for allowing discussions with the Taliban without female representation, calling for a “principled engagement” and condemning countries like Canada and France that support feminist foreign policies yet engage with the Taliban.
Malala further highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the recent bombing of schools and the devastating impact on educational facilities. “It is horrifying how many schools have been bombed in Gaza, even more recently the four schools,” she said, noting that 85 percent of educational facilities in Gaza are out of service due to the ongoing conflict.
Amidst the funding challenges faced by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Malala urged continued humanitarian support. She called on all countries to provide unflinching aid, emphasizing the importance of meeting the immediate needs of civilians affected by the war. “When it comes to humanitarian support, all countries should be making no compromise,” she asserted. “I do hope that all countries are providing aid and support because it’s about those innocent people and civilians who need to be protected.”
Malala’s statements underscore her ongoing commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and addressing pressing global issues with a call for justice and humanitarian support.
