In a harsh move, Iran has rapidly expelled approximately 800,000 Afghan refugees in recent weeks, a drastic measure that has drawn international concern. The campaign began gaining momentum in June and intensified since the onset of the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. According to Babar Baloch, a spokesperson for the United Nations refugee agency, approximately 600,000 individuals have been forcibly relocated to Afghanistan since June 1.
Mass Deportation Crisis: Iran Expels 800,000 Afghan Refugees
Mass Deportation Crisis: Iran Expels 800,000 Afghan Refugees
Iran's accelerated campaign against undocumented Afghans has led to a staggering exodus, impacting humanitarian efforts and regional stability.
As tensions between Iran and potential foreign influences rise, officials have labeled Afghan refugees suspicious, exacerbating existing fears and fostering a sense of urgency among those targeted for deportation. The influx of returnees has swelled, averaging around 30,000 daily, with a peak exceeding 50,000 within a single day, coinciding with a governmental deadline.
Historically, Iran has been a principal host for refugees, encompassing nearly 3.5 million individuals, primarily fleeing from prolonged conflict and insecurity in Afghanistan. Despite claims from Iranian authorities about permitting documented Afghans to remain, many returning individuals report having been granted visas and yet were still expelled. As Arafat Jamal, the U.N. refugee agency representative in Kabul, stated, the current atmosphere reflects a drastic and unyielding stance from Iranian officials, indicating a significant shift in their policy toward Afghans, irrespective of their documentation status.
As international agencies grapple with this unfolding crisis, the ramifications on both humanitarian efforts and regional stability remain to be fully realized.
Historically, Iran has been a principal host for refugees, encompassing nearly 3.5 million individuals, primarily fleeing from prolonged conflict and insecurity in Afghanistan. Despite claims from Iranian authorities about permitting documented Afghans to remain, many returning individuals report having been granted visas and yet were still expelled. As Arafat Jamal, the U.N. refugee agency representative in Kabul, stated, the current atmosphere reflects a drastic and unyielding stance from Iranian officials, indicating a significant shift in their policy toward Afghans, irrespective of their documentation status.
As international agencies grapple with this unfolding crisis, the ramifications on both humanitarian efforts and regional stability remain to be fully realized.
