Afghan converts plead for refugee status in India

A Christian advocacy group is calling for urgent intervention on behalf of six Afghan converts who have been refused refugee status by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in India.

Barnabas Fund has been campaigning for the six converts from Islam to Christianity who are facing execution for apostasy in Afghanistan.

Rahimullah, Rita, Mohammad, Aisha, Shazia and Sunita face deportation to Afghanistan after UNHCR closed their applications for refugee status.

In their appeal application to UNHCR, Rahimullah and Rita wrote: "As we are converted and baptized Christians, we are deeply fearful for our lives. In the light of the situation in Afghanistan, we will be sentenced to death and executed by the government or we could be stoned and burned by the people."

Images of four of the six Christians' baptisms, which took place in 2008, were among several shown on national Afghan TV last May. The footage led to a frenzied anti-Christian response, including public demonstrations and government threats, according to Barnabas Fund.

Abdul Sattar Khawasi, Deputy Secretary of the Afghan Lower House of Parliament, had openly called for the public execution of the Christians who were shown in the TV footage.

What ensued was a crackdown on Afghan converts to Christianity. At least 26 people were arrested, while many others were forced to flee the country. Said Musa, whose case has been widely publicised, was among those detained.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, said: "The cases of these six dear brothers and sisters highlight the fact that Afghan converts to Christianity are safe neither inside nor outside the country. It is a disgrace that they have been denied refuge when their very lives depend on it."

Barnabas Fund is urging Christians to write to UNHCR in support of the six refugee appeals. It has prepared an email template at this link to serve the purpose.