UN officials urge neighbours to keep borders open for Afghan refugees

The United Nations humanitarian agency on Thursday called on countries neighbouring Afghanistan to keep their borders open for those fleeing the country to seek refuge.

The principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee made the call following the Taliban (banned in Russia) takeover of power in the country.

“We call on the governments to keep borders open to receive Afghan refugees fleeing from violence and persecution and refrain from deportations.

“This is not the time to abandon the Afghan people.

“Member States must provide all possible support to Afghan nationals at risk, including a moratorium on repatriations.

“We urge neighbouring countries to ensure the protection of Afghans displaced across their borders,” the statement said.