The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has said the international community has a "moral and legal responsibility to protect refugees fleeing religious persecution".

In its new report, the USCIRF argues that even the 40 territories who aren't part of the 1951 Refugee Convention and attached 1967 Protocol should bare some responsibility for refugees within their borders.

The report said that "as the refugee population increases, including those fleeing religious persecution, more than two-thirds remain in neighbouring countries. Cases in South and Southeast Asia, such as Uyghurs in Thailand, Afghans in Pakistan, and the Rohingya in Bangladesh, illustrate the mounting tensions surrounding these vulnerable displaced populations.'

The USCIRF report also highlighted the Pakistani government announcing the mass deportation of Afghan refugees on the grounds that they were increasingly involved in terrorism.

It said some of those deported were Christians and Sikhs, as well as Muslims, who were at risk of religious persecution in Afghanistan.

Urging countries not to avoid their responsibilities and obligations towards refugees, the USCIRF said: "With the number of refugees increasing, these populations are likely to become even more vulnerable.

"Refugees are forced to flee their homes only to encounter extreme challenges in their new communities, such as discrimination, lack of services, poor living conditions, and untreated trauma.

"Addressing the basic needs of refugee populations can reduce grievances and mitigate the risk of radicalization, which in turn promotes national, regional, and global security."