Nimroz Tragedy Sparks Calls for Crackdown on Human Trafficking

The deaths of 19 young Afghans while attempting to reach Iran through the scorching deserts of Nimroz have once again exposed the dangers of human trafficking in Afghanistan.

Residents are calling for stronger action against human traffickers, saying they put the lives of young people at risk in exchange for money.

Herat resident Gulabuddin Afzali said: “If there were jobs, no one would choose to travel through dangerous mountains and deserts. People see death with their own eyes, yet they still go. The first priority should be creating employment opportunities for young people.”

Another Herat resident, Ahmad Sir Noorzai, said: “The best way to stop illegal migration is to crack down on human traffickers. If security forces prevent their activities along the borders, I don’t think anyone would dare take these routes.”

Illegal journeys to Iran through Nimroz have become a major source of income for human trafficking networks.

Analysts say that tackling human traffickers and preventing their activities are key to reducing irregular migration.

Political analyst Basir Ahmad Daneshyar said: “Young people must be made aware of the serious dangers of human trafficking, and criminal trafficking networks must face serious action. The government should create jobs, and if it cannot, it should at least provide opportunities for safe and legal migration to prevent more young people from becoming victims.”

Local officials in Nimroz say efforts to prevent human trafficking and illegal migration have increased. They urge people not to be deceived by traffickers’ false promises or put their lives at risk.

Abdul Mutawakil Tawhidi, spokesperson for the Nimroz governor, said: “The Nimroz provincial administration considers the fight against human trafficking one of its key responsibilities. We urge young people and their families not to trust the false promises of traffickers.”

Located in southwestern Afghanistan, Nimroz is one of the country’s main routes for human trafficking.

Every year, large numbers of young Afghans travel to the province and attempt to cross into Iran illegally with the help of human traffickers.

The deserts of Nimroz have repeatedly claimed the lives of migrants seeking a better future.