Afghan Journalists in Turkey Send Open Letter to the UN, Urging a Halt to Their Deportation

Photo: UNAMA/Fardin Waezi

A group of exiled Afghan journalists living in Turkey has sent an open letter to Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, calling for urgent support and relocation to safe countries.

This letter, backed by the Free Speech Centre in Canada and signed by 50 journalists, warns of the dangers of forced deportation, legal uncertainty, and growing psychological pressure.

According to the letter, ten journalists have already lost their residency status, twenty others have received deportation orders, and many more have been left in limbo for years in Turkey despite being recognized by UNHCR.

The journalists emphasize that since the Taliban took control of the Afghan embassy in Turkey, the risk of identification and physical threats against them has increased. They add that the label of "Turkey being safe" by Western countries has blocked proper attention to their situation.

In this letter, the Afghan journalists urge the UNHCR to prevent their forced deportation from Turkey. They also call on the agency to facilitate their resettlement to third countries and provide them with special humanitarian support. The letter stresses the need to guarantee access to legal and medical services.

In conclusion, the journalists warn that ignoring their fate would mean silencing the voice of truth and allowing tyranny to prevail.