Outrage As Macron Vows “Robust” Plan To Stop Afghan Refugees

Plan outrages political world as allies pull out of Afghanistan.

The sudden events in Afghanistan have raised concerns of human rights consequences. French President Emmanuel Macron has signalled his intention to implement a “robust” plan to block the “flow” of refugees into Europe.

In a statement the French president said “…the destabilisation of Afghanistan also risks leading to irregular migratory flows towards Europe”.

“We must anticipate and protect ourselves against major irregular migratory flows that would endanger those who use them and feed trafficking of all kinds.”

“Europe alone cannot bear the consequences of the current situation.”

Macron said he wants to advance an “initiative to build a robust, coordinated and united response without delay, which will involve the fight against irregular flows, solidarity in the effort, the harmonisation of protection criteria, and the establishment of cooperation wih transit an host countries such as Pakistan, Turkey and Iran.”

A photograph published by US defence and security website Defence One shows more than 600 Afghan people mostly women and children seeking passage out of Afghanistan via a US airforce plane. The plane took off safely bound for Qatar.

A video (below) showed many Afghan people attempting to climb into aircraft with many falling from other planes as they climbed in altitude.

The airport is managed by the US and is one of the only routes out of the country following widespread capture of cities and main roads by the Taliban.

Many have spoken out against the French president’s remarks saying it sets a dangerous precedent.

Lawmakers including British MP Zarah Sultana have said the move is a lacklustre show of leadership:

Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn called on Britain to remember its obligations to Afghan refugees:

United Nations’ Secretary-General António Guterres said: “I call upon the Taliban and all parties to respect and protect international humanitarian law and the rights and freedoms of all persons. We are receiving chilling reports of severe restrictions on human rights throughout the country.”

“Afghans are a proud people with a rich cultural heritage. They have known generations of war and hardship. They deserve our full support. The following days will be pivotal. The world is watching. We cannot and must not abandon the people of Afghanistan.”