Latest news with #KhaamaPress
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Germany greenlights Taliban consular officials to support Afghan deportations
Berlin: The German government has confirmed that the Taliban will send two consular officials to Germany to assist with the deportation of Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted of serious crimes and rejected asylum seekers, Khaama Press reported. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated on Monday that an agreement had been reached to allow "two representatives of the Taliban administration" to operate in consular roles in Germany. Their presence aims to support the repatriation of deported Afghans, especially those involved in serious criminal offences, Khaama Press added. This development follows a report by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which revealed that Germany's acceptance of the consular officials is linked to the Taliban's cooperation in accepting deportees. Just last week, Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals, most of whom were found guilty of serious crimes, Khaama Press noted. Kornelius clarified that the arrangement does not imply diplomatic recognition of the Taliban but is part of ongoing technical-level communication between Germany and Afghanistan's de facto authorities. He emphasised that systematic deportations will continue, stating, "This process is not completed with just one flight," according to Khaama Press. A Taliban official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions are ongoing but said no final agreement has been reached yet. "The matter is still under negotiation," the source told Khaama Press. The move has sparked debate within Germany, with some expressing concerns about engaging with the Taliban, while others view it as a necessary measure to manage deportations responsibly and efficiently. Adding to this, Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has said the Afghan consulate in Berlin should be handed over to the "Taliban" to facilitate the deportation of Afghan "criminal" refugees from Germany, Tolo News reported. Speaking to a German media outlet, Dobrindt clarified that this proposal does not amount to formally recognising the "Taliban" government. He also stated that he had reached an agreement on the matter with Germany's Foreign Minister, according to Tolo News. Dobrindt explained that in the absence of a formal agreement with the Islamic Emirate, Germany is unable to deport Afghan refugees or extend their detention periods for deportation. "One of the problems I recognize and needs to be resolved is how we can properly carry out deportations. Until we have an agreement, we cannot send anyone back to Afghanistan, and I cannot extend the detention period for deportation," he said. Tolo News further reported that the Afghan consulate in Berlin is still being run by officials from the former Afghan government. Transferring control of the consulate to the Islamic Emirate would, in practice, facilitate deportation coordination even without formal diplomatic recognition In response to Germany's proposal, Tolo News reported that Abdulmutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation of the Islamic Emirate, said that the return of Afghan refugees must be voluntary and supported financially by the German government. "We accept our citizens back from Germany, but it must be voluntary, not forced. Additionally, the German government should financially support their resettlement in Afghanistan so they can remain permanently," Haqqani told Tolo News. Regarding the fate of Afghan refugees accused of crimes, Haqqani added: "Decisions will be made in accordance with Islamic Sharia law after verifying the documents." Germany has previously deported some Afghan nationals accused of criminal offences, but current legal limitations have slowed the process. Tolo News noted that Dobrindt's latest remarks come amid increasing pressure on European countries to deal with undocumented and criminal refugees.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Afghanistan launches nationwide polio drive to protect children
Kabul: Afghanistan is set to launch a new nationwide polio vaccination campaign on July 20, targeting children under the age of five to protect them from the debilitating virus, according to the Afghanistan Polio-Free Organization, Khaama Press reported. The campaign will be carried out across several provinces and districts and includes the administration of Vitamin A supplements alongside the oral polio vaccine to help strengthen children's immune systems. Khaama Press said this combined effort aims to boost resistance against other diseases and improve overall child health. "The campaign aims to protect children under the age of five from the debilitating effects of polio," the organization stated, urging families to ensure that no child is left out of the initiative. According to Khaama Press, the organization emphasized the role of parents and guardians, calling on them to collaborate with health teams and ensure full community participation. It added that people can contact the free helpline at 141 for more details about the campaign. Polio, a highly infectious virus primarily affecting children, spreads through contaminated water and can cause fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, and limb pain. In about one in 200 cases, the disease results in irreversible paralysis. Afghanistan and Pakistan are currently the only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic, Khaama Press noted. Ongoing eradication efforts are seen as critical to protecting Afghan children from lifelong disability. "Polio vaccination is one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthier, brighter future for Afghan children," the organization reiterated, according to Khaama Press. "These vaccination campaigns represent a significant step toward a polio-free future for the country," it added, stressing that continued public cooperation is essential to the success of the initiative. In support of these efforts, Japan has provided USD 5 million through UNICEF to bolster polio eradication efforts and strengthen immunisation programs across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, according to Khaama Press. The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has partnered with UNICEF in a 12-month initiative aimed at reaching over 13 million children with lifesaving polio vaccines and routine immunisations, Khaama Press reported. UNICEF stated on Thursday, July 10, 2025, that the new grant reaffirms Japan's longstanding commitment to Afghanistan's health sector. It will help sustain progress toward the global goal of eradicating polio, especially in underserved, conflict-affected, and hard-to-reach areas, Khaama Press noted. Afghanistan is one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been halted. While under-five and maternal mortality rates have declined in recent years, access to basic health services remains limited, leaving millions of children vulnerable to deadly and preventable diseases, Khaama Press highlighted. A resurgence of polio in 2023 underscored the presence of major immunity gaps, particularly among children in previously unreachable locations and mobile or cross-border populations. Despite improvements in cold chain infrastructure and expanded vaccine coverage, urgent efforts are needed to bridge these gaps.
Canada News.Net
5 days ago
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
Tajikistan begins forced deportation of Afghan refugees despite UNHCR protection
Dushanbe [Tajikistan], July 18 (ANI): With just days left before the 15-day deadline set by Tajik authorities for Afghan refugees, the government has already begun mass deportations, Khaama Press reported. Citing multiple sources, the outlet said over 150 individuals were forcibly rounded up from markets and public areas across the country on Wednesday and deported. Khaama Press reported that those deported include men, women, elderly individuals, and minors under the age of 18. In numerous cases, families were torn apart--children deported while their parents remain in Tajikistan, or spouses separated from each other. The sudden and aggressive nature of the removals has sparked panic and distress among Afghan refugees in the region. Of particular concern, according to Khaama Press, is that many of those targeted for deportation reportedly hold legal refugee status. Several are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and possess valid refugee cards. Others are in the middle of asylum proceedings, with active resettlement applications to Canada still under review. Khaama Press noted that the Tajik government has not officially explained the reason behind the sudden deportations. However, analysts believe the move may be influenced by shifting regional geopolitics. Russia's recent formal recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is thought to have triggered policy realignments across Central Asia. Tajikistan, which has historically provided safe haven to Afghan opposition figures and been openly critical of the Taliban, may now be signaling a pivot towards Moscow's strategic stance. Most Afghan refugees in Tajikistan are housed in Wahdat, a district about 20 kilometers east of the capital, Dushanbe. Formerly known as Kofarnihon, Wahdat has become a major hub for displaced Afghan communities. Khaama Press said the region lacks the infrastructure to support its already stretched population, making the deportations especially disruptive and painful for families and local residents alike. In response to the escalating crisis, online petitions are calling on the Canadian government to accelerate asylum and resettlement procedures. Several humanitarian groups and refugee advocates have urged Ottawa to initiate emergency evacuations for those with pending cases, warning of 'chaotic and alarming' developments. Despite the involvement of international actors such as the UN, Khaama Press reported that the Tajik government has shown little willingness to engage with or respond to concerns about international refugee protection obligations. Observers fear that without immediate intervention, vulnerable Afghan families could continue to be subjected to unlawful expulsion and potential harm. Khaama Press also reported that many of the deported individuals had been in advanced stages of resettlement, raising questions about the coordination--or lack thereof--between Tajik authorities and international agencies involved in refugee support. The situation remains fluid, with rights groups calling for urgent international attention to prevent further separations and forced returns. (ANI)
Canada News.Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
Tajikistan begins deporting Afghan refugees before deadline ends, over 150 sent back: Report
Dushanbe [Tajikistan], July 18 (ANI): The Tajikistan government has reportedly started forceful deportations of Afghan refugees ahead of the 15-day deadline set earlier this month, with more than 150 individuals rounded up from public areas and sent back to Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported on Thursday. Those deported include men, women, elderly people, and minors. In several cases, family members have been separated, children deported while parents remain behind, or spouses taken while the rest of the family is left in Tajikistan. According to Khaama Press, a majority of the deportees are legally recognised refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and hold valid refugee cards. Many were also in the process of being resettled to Canada and had active asylum applications under review. The reason behind the sudden crackdown has not been officially explained by Tajik authorities. However, some analysts believe the move may be linked to recent geopolitical shifts, especially Russia's formal recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Tajikistan, which has long hosted anti-Taliban voices and Afghan opposition leaders, might now be aligning with Moscow's position, the report said. Observers suggest that the presence of Afghan anti-Taliban groups within Tajikistan could be a reason the government is pushing them out. The move is being seen as a political realignment rather than a matter of domestic security. Most Afghan refugees in Tajikistan are settled in Wahdat, a district located approximately 20 km east of the capital, Dushanbe. Wahdat, formerly known as Kofarnihon, is densely populated and lacks proper infrastructure, making it challenging to support large displaced populations. The sudden nature of the deportations has left families in shock and fear. Activists and refugee support groups have raised alarm, describing the situation as 'chaotic and heartbreaking.' Several online petitions have now been launched, urging the Canadian government to fast-track the resettlement of vulnerable Afghan families whose cases are already in process, Khaama Press reported. Despite the involvement of the UN and other global humanitarian organisations in Tajikistan, their role has appeared limited. According to Khaama Press, the Tajik government has shown little interest in respecting international refugee agreements or responding to concerns raised by these groups. (ANI)
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Tajikistan begins deporting Afghan refugees before deadline ends, over 150 sent back: Report
Dushanbe: The Tajikistan government has reportedly started forceful deportations of Afghan refugees ahead of the 15-day deadline set earlier this month, with more than 150 individuals rounded up from public areas and sent back to Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported on Thursday. Those deported include men, women, elderly people, and minors. In several cases, family members have been separated, children deported while parents remain behind, or spouses taken while the rest of the family is left in Tajikistan. According to Khaama Press, a majority of the deportees are legally recognised refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and hold valid refugee cards. Many were also in the process of being resettled to Canada and had active asylum applications under review. The reason behind the sudden crackdown has not been officially explained by Tajik authorities. However, some analysts believe the move may be linked to recent geopolitical shifts, especially Russia's formal recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Tajikistan, which has long hosted anti-Taliban voices and Afghan opposition leaders, might now be aligning with Moscow's position, the report said. Observers suggest that the presence of Afghan anti-Taliban groups within Tajikistan could be a reason the government is pushing them out. The move is being seen as a political realignment rather than a matter of domestic security. Most Afghan refugees in Tajikistan are settled in Wahdat, a district located approximately 20 km east of the capital, Dushanbe. Wahdat, formerly known as Kofarnihon, is densely populated and lacks proper infrastructure, making it challenging to support large displaced populations. The sudden nature of the deportations has left families in shock and fear. Activists and refugee support groups have raised alarm, describing the situation as "chaotic and heartbreaking." Several online petitions have now been launched, urging the Canadian government to fast-track the resettlement of vulnerable Afghan families whose cases are already in process, Khaama Press reported. Despite the involvement of the UN and other global humanitarian organisations in Tajikistan, their role has appeared limited. According to Khaama Press, the Tajik government has shown little interest in respecting international refugee agreements or responding to concerns raised by these groups.
