Afghans panic as EU plans to deport them

They said they were not willing to return home citing ongoing security and conflict concerns.

‘‘Europe says it is the upholder of human rights. How can they decide to send tens of thousands of the people, including children, to a country which is first of all littered with millions of landmines,’’ said Zaman Halim, who now lives in the Netherlands.

‘‘Many families I know have said they would prefer to be killed first and their bodies then deported,’’ he said.

Commission spokesman Leonello Gabrici told reporters on Tuesday that the European Union believes Afghanistan is enjoying a measure of peace.

The Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has denied any wholesale deportation plans for Afghans, but has earmarked three million euros this year to help Afghans leave Europe.

But unlike their hosts, refugees already living in the West believe the situation in Afghanistan has still not been resolved.