Editorial

The Mistreatment of Afghan Refugees in Iran is No Longer Tolerable

By HOA

September 19, 2024

Recently, the situation of Afghan refugees in Iran has become increasingly concerning. Every day, thousands of Afghan refugees face inhumane treatment under intolerable conditions. This ongoing mistreatment shows that Iran, once considered a haven for Afghans, has now become a hostile neighbor that not only violates the human rights of refugees but also subjects them to severe humiliation.

Afghan refugees, who sought asylum in Iran amidst countless hardships and suffering, are now in a situation where their human dignity and respect hold no value. The most alarming issue is the systematic mistreatment of Afghans by Iranians, where they are viewed with disdain and subjected to forced repatriation through pressure and coercion. Reports indicate that Afghan refugees are increasingly being subjected to harsh and inhumane conditions, forcibly sent back to Afghanistan, and in many cases, their legal rights are disregarded.

Iran, which considers itself a key player in the region and claims to uphold Islamic brotherhood, is in reality falling short in terms of adhering to Islamic principles and human rights. This behavior towards refugees not only contradicts international laws but also has severe implications for the stability and humanitarian situation in the region. The Iranian government must realize that Afghan refugees in their country are victims of severe economic and political crises, and instead of offering support, they are subjecting them to unjust treatment.

On the other hand, Pakistan has similarly proven to be another difficult and hostile neighbor for Afghan refugees. Pakistan, which for a long time provided certain facilities to Afghan refugees, is now systematically expelling them from their homes and has adopted a harsh stance towards them. Afghan refugees in Pakistan are also facing numerous difficulties and pressures, further illustrating the irresponsible behavior of both these neighboring countries.

The human rights of Afghan refugees must be taken seriously, and the international community must also address this issue with urgency. The actions of Iran and Pakistan towards Afghans are not only rooted in their domestic policies but pose a serious threat to human rights across the region. Afghan refugees, who have been forced to leave their homes due to dire circumstances, now find themselves in unbearable conditions in these two countries.

It is the responsibility of the Afghan caretaker government to take concrete steps in this regard and defend the rights of Afghan citizens. There is a need to make it clear to Iran and Pakistan that Afghans will no longer tolerate being subjected to humiliation and oppression. While these two countries claim to be neighbors and brothers to Afghans, their actions reflect no such brotherhood, standing in direct opposition to international principles and human rights.

Finally, the international community must also strongly condemn the violation of Afghan refugees’ rights by Iran and Pakistan, and demand that these countries uphold human rights standards. Refugees, particularly Afghan refugees, are in a highly sensitive and difficult situation in the region, and the international community must assist them in every possible way, while also urging these countries to respect the rights of Afghan refugees.