Iran is working with Afghanistan to resolve the issue of Afghan refugees, focusing on legalizing undocumented refugees. The meeting between Iranian and Afghan officials underscored the separation of refugee matters from political issues and highlighted Iran’s long-standing commitment to hosting a significant refugee population.
Iran has expressed its commitment to collaborate with Afghanistan to address the challenges posed by Afghan refugees. During a meeting with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Refugee and Repatriation, Alireza Bigdeli emphasized the need for legal avenues to tackle the status of undocumented Afghan refugees. Iran aims to formalize the presence of these refugees and commended Afghanistan’s endeavors to combat human trafficking.
Bigdeli also highlighted that the prohibition of human trafficking from Afghanistan to Iran would enhance the cooperative relationship between the two nations. Both officials acknowledged that the refugee issue should remain distinct from political discussions and stressed the necessity for concrete measures to resolve this humanitarian concern.
As noted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in its April-June 2024 factsheet, Iran hosts the largest refugee population globally, accommodating approximately 3.8 million refugees and individuals in refugee-like situations. This significant effort has persisted for over four decades, with 99% of registered refugees residing in urban settings alongside local communities, while 1% are situated in designated refugee settlements across 12 Iranian provinces.
In conclusion, Iran is actively seeking to address the presence of Afghan refugees through legal means while emphasizing the importance of separating refugee issues from political contexts. Cooperation and practical solutions are essential as both nations work together to find lasting resolutions. The humanitarian commitment of Iran is underscored by its significant refugee population, highlighting a long-standing tradition of support for displaced individuals.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
