In a statement, HRW argued that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) “must urgently release those arbitrarily detained and provide access to fair and effective processes to determine their status and protection needs.”

Following the takeover of the Afghan capital Kabul by the Taliban regime on August 15, 2021, the government of the United Arab Emirates evacuated thousands of Afghans to the “Emirate Humanitarian City”, a humanitarian logistics center in Abu Dhabi , and to the workers’ town of Tasameem.

While many were later granted asylum in other countries, including the United States and Canada, between 2,400 and 2,700 Afghans remained arbitrarily detained in the United Arab Emirates in early January, the rights organization said. human rights.

“Authorities…detained thousands of Afghan asylum seekers for more than 15 months in cramped and squalid conditions, with no hope of progress on their cases,” said Joey Shea, HRW researcher for the Emirates. United Arabs.

“After going through an enormous amount of significant trauma while fleeing Afghanistan, they now face more trauma after spending over a year in limbo in the United Arab Emirates,” Shea lamented.

According to interviews conducted by US-based HRW, complaints have been made about restrictions on freedom of movement, lack of access to legal advice and insufficient educational services for children.

Without psychological support, many adults and children suffer from depression and other mental health problems, the report notes. Living conditions have also deteriorated, with inmates reporting overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure and insect infestations.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Afghanistan, which returned to Taliban rule after two decades of US-led military intervention, is facing one of the most serious humanitarian crises in the world.

About 28.3 million people, or about two-thirds of the population, need assistance and protection.

VQ (AZV/APN) // JMC

By Impala News / Lusa

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