The UN and international rights groups have called for an investigation into allegations that Iranian border guards killed Afghan migrants on October 13 in Sistan-Baluchistan, Iran. Iranian officials have denied these claims, while the Taliban has initiated its own inquiry. This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Afghan migrants in Iran, with reports of violence and deportation adding to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where child malnutrition rates are rising significantly.
The UN and various international human rights organizations are urging a thorough investigation into troubling allegations that Iranian border guards opened fire on Afghan migrants, leading to fatalities. Reports indicate that this incident transpired in the Saravan district, located in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, an area marked by economic hardship and unrest. While the Taliban administration of Afghanistan has initiated an inquiry into the matter, Iranian officials have dismissed the claims as unfounded. According to Haalvsh, a Baluch rights group, several Afghan nationals, possibly numbering in the dozens, were reportedly killed following attacks involving gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades. However, independent verification of these claims has not been possible for RFE/RL. Social media has seen the circulation of videos purportedly showing numerous corpses covered in white shrouds along a roadway, although RFE/RL has not confirmed their authenticity. Afghan citizens affected by this tragic incident have voiced their demands for accountability and an investigation by both domestic and international entities. Taj Mohammad, from Balkh province, shared his grief over the death of his cousin, emphasizing the necessity for action from international bodies. Similarly, Jamaluddin, also from Balkh, lamented the loss of his son, expressing dissatisfaction with the Taliban’s response to the situation. This issue arises in the context of a significant migration crisis, as millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Iran following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Reports of escalating violence and harassment towards Afghan migrants from Iranian authorities have emerged, coinciding with a wave of deportations of over a million Afghans in the past year. UN special human rights rapporteur Richard Bennett articulated his concern regarding the reported events, calling upon Iran to conduct a transparent investigation, highlighting the urgency for clarity and dignity regarding the treatment of Afghans globally. The apprehension surrounding this incident may prompt the international community to place pressure on Iran concerning its treatment of the estimated four million Afghan nationals residing there. Additionally, should the allegations be substantiated, it may have repercussions on Iran’s relationship with the Taliban, amid a backdrop of previous border confrontations. Furthermore, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has highlighted alarming growth in malnutrition rates among Afghan children, warning of rising cases of acute malnutrition intensified by declining incomes, climate disasters, and the impact of ongoing conflict. This situation poses grave threats to the young population, with Save the Children anticipating that a significant number of Afghan children will experience severe hunger this year. In summary, the combination of reported violence against Afghan migrants and rising humanitarian challenges within Afghanistan paints a dire picture of the current landscape that requires immediate attention and action.
The situation regarding Afghan migrants and their treatment in Iran has become increasingly precarious following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021. As millions of Afghans have sought refuge in neighboring Iran, issues of safety and dignity have gained prominence due to reports of violence and harassment faced by this vulnerable population. In October 2023, alarming reports emerged alleging the killing of Afghan migrants by Iranian border guards, prompting calls for investigation from international rights groups and UN officials. This incident highlights the broader humanitarian crisis affecting Afghanistan, where child malnutrition rates are also escalating, driven by economic collapse, environmental disasters, and a lack of sufficient international aid following the Taliban’s takeover.
The call for investigation into the reported killings of Afghan migrants at the Iranian border underscores the pressing need for accountability and humane treatment of vulnerable populations. The situation not only threatens diplomatic relations between Iran and the Taliban but also reflects a broader humanitarian crisis that endangers the lives of thousands of Afghan children facing severe malnutrition and poverty. Immediate action by both local and international authorities is essential in addressing these urgent human rights and humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
