Rights Group Reports Intensified Deportations, Discrimination Against Afghan Migrants in Iran
A human rights organization has reported intensified forced deportations, systematic discrimination and security pressures facing Afghan migrants in Iran amid and after recent conflicts.
Hana stated that Afghan migrants continue to face security fears, risks of arrest and forced deportations despite a ceasefire announced after 40 days of war. During the June 2025 Israel-Iran war, Afghan citizens in Iran underwent extensive inspections, faced accusations and endured pressures disrupting their daily lives, with negative views intensified due to the Fatemiyoun group.
Hana warned against generalizing accusations to all migrants based on specific groups like Fatemiyoun and called for adherence to non-refoulement and anti-discrimination principles.
The UNHCR reported 1.65 million documented Afghan migrants in Iran, 99% living in urban areas of provinces including Tehran, Razavi Khorasan, Isfahan, Kerman, Fars and Qom. It highlighted that 86,253 Afghan migrants have returned from Iran to Afghanistan since the start of 2026, with thousands returning daily during the June 2025 war and now 10 to 100 per day according to a Taliban commission.
An internet shutdown in Iran has hindered communication between Afghan migrants and their families. Pre-conflict pressures included inflation and restrictions on work and residency permits.
Returned migrants face shortages of work and education opportunities, with widespread returns increasing pressure on Afghanistan's humanitarian situation, according to relief organizations.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
Carney Says Era of Sending '70 Cents of Every Dollar' to U.S. Military Is Over
Israeli Defense Minister Accuses Erdoğan of Ties to Muslim Brotherhood
Over 2,000 Children Injured in US-Israeli Strikes on Iran Since Late February, Official Says
Macron Urges Pezeshkian to Leverage Iran-US Talks in Islamabad for Regional De-escalation
ReliableCarney Says Era of Sending '70 Cents of Every Dollar' to U.S. Military Is Over
Mark Carney announced at the Liberal Party convention in Montreal that Canada will end the practice of sending the majority of its defense spending to the U.S., introducing a 'Buy Canadian' policy to boost domestic firms' share to 70 percent. He pledged to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade amid calls for economic sovereignty.
ReliableIsraeli Defense Minister Accuses Erdoğan of Ties to Muslim Brotherhood
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, promoting antisemitism, and other charges amid tensions over Gaza. Katz urged Erdoğan to stop inflammatory remarks while affirming Israel's resolve to defend itself.
ReliableOver 2,000 Children Injured in US-Israeli Strikes on Iran Since Late February, Official Says
Jafar Miadfar, director of Iran's Emergency Medical Services Organisation, reported that over 2,000 children under 18 have been injured and 221 killed in US-Israeli strikes on Iran since February 28. He cited high casualties among women and health workers, mainly in provinces including Tehran and Khuzestan.
ReliableMacron Urges Pezeshkian to Leverage Iran-US Talks in Islamabad for Regional De-escalation
French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging him to use the ongoing Iran-US negotiations in Islamabad to reduce regional tensions and secure a strong security agreement. Macron also emphasized full compliance with the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.