On World Refugee Day, we express our solidarity with those who have been forced to leave their homes and love due to conflict, violence and persecution. Among them are members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, who endure discrimination, oppression and even threats to their lives in countries like Pakistan.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that there are currently 84 million refugees worldwide, including more than 26 million seeking safety beyond borders. As the international community commemorates World Refugee Day on June 20, it is important to draw attention to the difficult trials faced by groups such as the Ahmadi seeking asylum.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community represents a minority within Islam that faces persecution and prejudice in many parts of the world, especially in countries such as Pakistan. In 1974, the Pakistani government designated Ahmadis as “non-Muslims” through an amendment that stripped them of their human rights and exposed them to violence, targeted killings, and isolation.
For some time now, human rights organizations such as CAP Liberté de Conscience and the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) have been denouncing the dire situation faced by Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Ahmadis living in Pakistan experience insecurity due to threats of attacks, social boycotts, arbitrary arrests, and social exclusion. They are prohibited from identifying themselves, holding gatherings, practicing their faith publicly, or even in their own homes. Many Ahmadis have become victims of targeted violence, mob assaults, and false accusations of blasphemy, which could result in them facing the death penalty.
CAP Liberté de Conscience and the IHRC have actively advocated for the protection of fundamental human and civil rights. We call on the Pakistani government to stop the systematic abuse of this religious minority. Despite these advocacy efforts and struggles, the situation for Pakistan’s Ahmadis remains grim, with many seeking refuge to seek safety and security for themselves and their children.
Rampant intolerance and violence in Pakistan have forced many Ahmadis to flee their homeland as refugees in search of safety and follow their beliefs in a peaceful environment. They join millions of refugees making dangerous journeys to escape oppression and seek refuge.
Ahmadi refugees and asylum seekers often face difficulties protecting their well-being and basic human rights upon arrival in a third country. In countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Madagascar and Germany, where Ahmadis have sought refuge, they continue to face discrimination, limited access to services such as education and the constant risk of deportation.
IHRC and CAP Liberté de Conscience share the stories of Ahmadi refugees anxiously awaiting the outcome of their asylum claims in urban slums and detention centers in Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Individuals and families struggling without status or work rights have difficulty meeting their needs and adapting to their new communities.
The website also highlights the difficulties Ahmadi asylum seekers face navigating the difficult asylum process. Due to language barriers and discrimination based on their beliefs, many Ahmadis struggle to validate their claims and secure the protection they need.
The importance of protecting refugee rights
The experiences of Ahmadi refugees and asylum seekers highlight the importance of upholding the rights and respect of all displaced people, regardless of religion, ethnicity, belief or culture. As we commemorate International Refugee Day around the world, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring access, providing services and supporting refugees to integrate into society.
According to UNHCR guidelines, refugees have the right to apply for asylum and enjoy rights set out in international regulations.
These rights include the rights to life, liberty and security, as well as medical treatment and freedom from wrongful arrest and imprisonment. However, these fundamental rights are frequently violated in particularly affected communities, such as the Ahmadis, who experience additional prejudice and exclusion.
This International Refugee Day, we call on governments, civil society organizations and the international community to take action to protect the rights of all refugees, including Ahmadis seeking refuge from oppression. These include:
1. Ensure asylum processes are equitably accessible and tailored to meet the needs of groups such as the Ahmadi.
2. Provide resources and support to host countries to provide living conditions, access to essential services and pathways for refugee integration.
3. Advocate for the abolition of laws and policies that discriminate against minorities such as Ahmadis and deprive them of their essential freedoms.
4. Amplify the voices and experiences of refugee communities to raise awareness and foster empathy and understanding.
5. Encourage interreligious discussions and collaborative initiatives to address the causes of intolerance and persecution that lead to forced migration.
Amadis search for shared obligations to provide safety and shelter
The struggles of Ahmadi refugees and asylum seekers serve as a reminder of the obstacles faced by those fleeing religious persecution. Forced to give up their homes, communities and livelihoods, they embark on a journey seeking safety and protection, only to face hardship and prejudice in the countries in which they seek refuge.
On International Refugee Day, it is our duty to ensure that the rights and respect of all refugees, including Ahmadis, are respected and protected. By combatting the prejudice and violence that drives minority displacement and providing them with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives, we can work toward a more just and inclusive global community.
We take this opportunity to call on the community to show solidarity with the Ahmadis and all refugees who take steps to defend their essential human rights. Let us use this moment to reaffirm our commitment to principles such as dignity, empathy, and the universal right to seek shelter and safety.
Together, we can create a world where no one is forced to leave their home because of persecution, a world where all refugees are included and empowered to thrive in their host countries.
Today, on International Refugee Day, let us work to embody the change we want to see and create a more fair, equal and inclusive future for all.
