Afghan Evacuees Remain Stranded in Third Countries Amid Resettlement Chaos

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Afghan citizens evacuated with US assistance following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 are currently trapped in at least 36 countries under uncertain and distressing conditions, according to newly released documents. Many of these evacuees, awaiting decisions on their applications to enter the US, are housed in temporary facilities that resemble prisons.

The documents reveal issues such as family separations, deteriorating mental health, and inadequate living situations at various holding sites, including those in the UAE, Qatar, Kosovo, and Germany. While the US has facilitated the resettlement of over 190,000 Afghans since 2021, advocates highlight that many remain stuck in limbo, facing inadequate access to legal support and bleak living conditions.

Reports indicate that more than 2,800 Afghans with pending applications are currently in Qatar, while around 1,250 are reported in the UAE. The US government has stated that its efforts to resettle these individuals have been ongoing since 2021, but advocates criticize the prolonged and difficult processes that have continued over the years.

Concerns about human rights violations at these sites have been raised, with reports of individuals being subjected to strict surveillance, minimal access to healthcare, and limited freedom of movement. The US has denied having direct involvement in some facilities, even though documents indicate agreements with various countries to ensure the well-being of Afghan evacuees.

The ongoing plight of Afghan evacuees has prompted calls for more effective policies, as many continue to seek desperate measures to reach safety.

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