UN Urges UK to Welcome More Afghan Refugees

The United Nations has called on the UK to increase its intake of Afghan refugees, urging the government to show greater compassion for those fleeing Taliban rule.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, emphasized the dire circumstances Afghans face, stating that Afghans are coming because they are persecuted, and life is extremely difficult for them.

Bennett, who was banned from entering Afghanistan by the Taliban last year, stressed that many refugees endured persecution during the war and continue to suffer under the regime’s oppressive rule.

His appeal comes nearly four years after the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 2021, following the withdrawal of Western forces led by the United States.

Since then, the militant group has imposed a series of strict policies, particularly targeting women, banning them from numerous aspects of public life.

In response to the crisis, the UK government pledged to resettle 20,000 Afghan refugees over five years through its Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

However, by December 2024, official figures showed that 34,940 Afghan refugees had arrived in the UK, with accommodation provided for nearly 26,000 of them.

Despite this, advocates argue that more needs to be done, as thousands remain in precarious situations, either trapped under Taliban rule or stranded in refugee camps.

The UN’s renewed call places further pressure on Britain to expand its resettlement efforts and provide long-term support to those fleeing persecution.