Afghan refugees in neighboring countries continue to face serious challenges, including mistreatment and illegal detentions by local authorities.
They say that despite holding legal documents, many Afghan refugees still face the threat of deportation and discrimination. Afghan refugees have called on the caretaker government in Afghanistan and human rights organizations to take action on their behalf.
Marifa, an Afghan refugee in Iran, spoke about these challenges: “Police officers detain Afghan refugees under any pretext, whether they have legal documents or not. They deport everyone, leaving their wives and children stranded without support.”
Another Afghan refugee in Iran, Enayat, said: “Afghan refugees in Iran have repeatedly complained about mistreatment by officials, but unfortunately, their voices have not been heard, and their problems persist. Refugees only want the basic rights granted to them by international organizations—nothing more.”
Experts in refugee rights stress the need for a dedicated committee to defend Afghan refugees in host countries.
Nazar Nazari, an activist in refugee rights, said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan should establish a committee to protect refugee rights and address their challenges in host countries like Iran and Pakistan.”
Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, another refugee rights activist, said: “The situation of Afghan refugees in host countries, especially Pakistan, is extremely concerning. The current Afghan government, the United Nations, and international aid organizations must address the conditions of Afghan refugees in these countries.”
Meanwhile, Fazal Mohammad Haqqani, the acting Afghan ambassador in Tehran, recently met with Mohammad Reza Bahrami, director general of South Asia at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the situation of Afghan refugees in Iran.
SOURCE: TOLO News
