The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has stated that Iranian authorities plan to expel two million undocumented Afghan refugees by the end of this year.
On Saturday, December 21, the UN agency reported that hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees have already returned from Iran this year, with most of these returns being forced.
Additionally, Iranian officials have confirmed to the UN that some legally documented refugees have also been deported.
UNHCR has emphasized that the return of refugees must be voluntary and not coerced.
Previously, Iran’s Chief of Police announced plans to deport two million undocumented Afghan refugees soon.
This comes after Pakistan’s decision last year to expel over one million undocumented Afghan refugees, a process that is still ongoing.
Many of these refugees fled to neighboring countries due to Taliban-imposed restrictions, including threats, poverty, and unemployment.
The large-scale expulsions of Afghan refugees by Iran and Pakistan highlight the growing challenges faced by displaced populations in the region. These forced returns raise concerns about the humanitarian conditions awaiting refugees back in Afghanistan.
UNHCR and other international organizations must intensify efforts to advocate for voluntary returns and ensure that the rights and safety of refugees are prioritized in regional policies.
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