Afghan Refugees in Iran: Census Cards Declared Invalid
A number of Afghan refugees in Iran have complained about growing challenges, saying the Iranian government has invalidated their refugee census cards.
They are calling on both the Iranian and Afghan governments to address their situation seriously. According to them, arrests of Afghan refugees in Iran continue.
Marufa Eshaqi, an Afghan refugee in Iran, said: “The Iranian government had previously issued census cards to Afghan refugees, which could be used in schools, hospitals, and elsewhere to avoid harassment. Now, the government has declared these cards invalid.”
Another refugee, Safar Barez, said: “Refugees who have lived peacefully in Iran for years are now facing increasing difficulties imposed by both the government and the public. Life has become very hard for them.”
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during a meeting with Alireza Bikdeli, acting ambassador to Afghanistan, said agreements between Tehran and Kabul, especially those facilitating the gradual return of Afghan refugees, must be followed up.
The Iranian embassy in Kabul cited Araghchi: “The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of bilateral ties between the two Muslim and neighboring countries and the need to implement agreements, particularly on enabling the dignified return of Afghan nationals and supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction.”
Migrant rights activist Nazar Nazari said: “Iran must continue its historic role as a host country. It should work constructively with Afghan refugees and establish a joint mechanism for cooperation.”
Previously, the Iranian foreign ministry had also mentioned developing a joint plan with the Islamic Emirate to facilitate the gradual and dignified return of Afghan migrants.
