On this day of International Refugee Day, we express our solidarity with the individuals who have been compelled to leave their homes and love ones due to conflicts, 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 displaced individuals globally including over 26 million refugees seeking safety beyond borders. As the international community observes World Refugee Day on June 20th it is crucial that we bring attention to the challenging ordeals faced by groups such as the Ahmadis who’re in search of asylum.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community represents a minority within Islam that has encountered persecution and bias in regions of the world especially in countries like Pakistan. In 1974 the Pakistani government designated Ahmadis as “non-Muslims” via an amendment depriving them of their Basin Human  Rights and exposing them to violence, target killings  and isolation.
For a period, human rights organizations such, as CAP Liberté de Conscience and the International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) have been condemning the critical situation experienced by Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Ahmadis residing in Pakistan endure anxiety due to the threat of attacks, social boycott, arbitrary arrests and social marginalization. They are prohibited from declaring their identity, holding gatherings or practicing their faith openly and even in their own houses. Many Ahmadis have fallen victim to targeted violence, mob assaults and false accusations of blasphemy that can result in capital punishment.
CAP Liberté de Conscience and IHRC have been actively advocating for the protection of their basic human and citizen rights. Urging the Pakistani government to halt its systematic mistreatment of this religious minority. Despite these advocacy efforts and struggle the conditions for Ahmadis in Pakistan remain bleak prompting many to seek refuge in pursuit of safety and security for them and their children.
Driven by intolerance and violence prevalent in Pakistan numerous Ahmadis have been compelled to leave their homeland as refugees in search of safety and to follow their belief in peaceful environments. They join millions of refugees who embark on perilous journeys to escape oppression and seek sanctuary.
Upon arriving in third countries, Ahmadi refugees and asylum seekers often encounter obstacles in safeguarding their well-being and basic human rights. In countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Madagascar and Germany where a Ahmadis have sought refuge they continue to confront discrimination, limited access to services like education and the constant risk of deportation.
IHRC and CAP Liberté de Conscience share stories of Ahmadi refugees facing such conditions, in urban slums or detention centers in Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka waiting anxiously for the outcome of their asylum applications. Struggling without status or work rights these individuals and families find it challenging to meet their needs and fit into their new communities.
Additionally, the website sheds light on the difficulties Ahmadi asylum seekers encounter while navigating the demanding asylum process. With documentation language barriers and discrimination based on their beliefs many Ahmadis struggle to prove the legitimacy of their claims and secure the necessary protection.
The Significance of Safeguarding Refugee Rights
The experiences of Ahmadi refugees and asylum seekers underscore the importance of upholding the rights and respect for all displaced individuals regardless of their religion, ethnicity, belief or culture. As we observe International Refugee Day globally it is vital to reaffirm our dedication to offering refuge ensuring access, to services and aiding refugees in adapting to their societies.
According to UNHCR guidelines refugees have the right to seek asylum and enjoy rights outlined in international regulations.
These rights encompass the entitlement, to life, freedom and safety along with the freedom from treatment, unjustifiable arrest and imprisonment. However, these fundamental rights are frequently infringed upon particularly affecting communities such as the Ahmadis who experience added layers of prejudice and exclusion.
On this occasion of International Refugee Day we urge governments, civil society groups and the global community to take actions to safeguard the rights of all refugees, including the Ahmadis seeking refuge from oppression. This involves;
1. Ensuring that asylum procedures are equitable accessible and tailored to meet the needs of groups like the Ahmadis.
2. Providing resources and assistance to host nations so they can provide living conditions, access to essential services and pathways for refugee integration.
3. Advocating for the elimination of laws and policies that discriminate against minorities, like the Ahmadis and deprive them of their essential liberties.
4. Amplifying the voices and experiences of refugee communities to raise awareness and cultivate empathy and comprehension.
5. Encouraging interfaith discussions and collaborative initiatives to tackle the causes of intolerance and persecution leading to forced displacement.
The Ahmadis Search, for Safety and the Shared Duty to Provide Refuge
The struggles of Ahmadi refugees and asylum seekers serve as a reminder of the obstacles faced by those escaping religious persecution. Having to abandon their homes, communities and livelihoods these individuals embark on journeys in pursuit of safety and protection only to encounter challenges and prejudice in the countries they seek refuge.
As we mark International Refugee Day it is our obligation to ensure that the rights and respect of all refugees, including the Ahmadis are respected and safeguarded. By tackling the bias and violence that lead to the displacement of minorities and by offering them the assistance and resources necessary to rebuild their lives we can strive towards a fairer and more inclusive global community.
On this occasion we urge the community to show solidarity with the Ahmadis and all refugees taking steps to uphold their essential human rights. Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our dedication to principles such as dignity, empathy and the universal entitlement to seek shelter and security.
Together we can build a world where nobody is compelled to leave their homes due, to persecution, where every refugee is embraced and empowered to flourish in their host societies.
Let’s commit on this day of International Refugee Day to embody the change we aspire to witness and work towards creating a fairer, equal and encompassing future for everyone.
