Iran forcibly transferred 149 Afghan inmates to the Taliban, igniting concerns over the treatment of Afghan refugees. Rights groups report significant abuse and increasing executions of Afghan prisoners. Afghan migrants face dire conditions in Iran, including impending cuts to essential services and frequent mistreatment, prompting calls for humanitarian intervention to protect their rights.
In a recent development, Iran transferred 149 Afghan prisoners to the Taliban, thereby mandating that they serve their remaining sentences in Afghanistan. This announcement was made by Askar Jalalian, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Justice for Human Rights and International Affairs. The exact fate of these prisoners and the conditions under which they will serve their sentences remain unanswered by the Taliban.
Meanwhile, rights groups have indicated that a considerable number of Afghan prisoners are currently held in Iranian jails, though specific figures are unverified. Reports also highlight alarming trends, such as the execution of 80 Afghan prisoners in 2024, a figure that has tripled from the previous year.
Afghan refugees in Iran are reportedly facing significant hardships, including mistreatment by authorities. Nonetheless, Iranian officials have announced that from March 21, 2025, undocumented Afghan migrants will be denied access to essential services such as healthcare and education. This decision exacerbates the already precarious situation for these individuals who often experience systemic discrimination.
Moreover, incidents involving harassment and abuse directed at Afghan migrants by both police and citizens in Iran have been documented. Afghan political analyst Fazl-ur-Rahman Oria criticized this trend, emphasizing that the executions of Afghans in Iran violate international conventions and obligations. Additionally, despite the threats to their safety, many Afghans who have fled conflict and persecution continue to reside in Iran under the constant threat of deportation and violence.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees underscores that individuals fleeing conflict should not be forcibly returned to life-threatening situations. Various reports have revealed that Afghan refugees in Iran, even those with valid documents, face the risk of illegal detention and abuse, marking a troubling situation for this vulnerable population.
Iran’s transfer of 149 Afghan prisoners to the Taliban raises serious concerns about the treatment and rights of Afghan refugees. With increasing incidents of abuse, mistreatment, and execution of Afghan inmates, the precarious status of Afghans in Iran is compounded by impending restrictions on essential services. The international community must address this urgent humanitarian crisis, ensuring the safety and rights of all refugees, in accordance with established international law.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
