Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), in exile, has expressed concern regarding the human rights situation of Afghanistan refugees in Iran and called upon the government of Iran to respect the principles and standards of human rights for migrants.
AIHRC in a statement on Saturday, stated that it has come to our attention that immigrants from Afghanistan in Iran, particularly in Isfahan city face increased restrictions. “These discriminatory measures limit Afghan migrants to only engage in labor-intensive work, while their access to other employment opportunities is constrained.”
“The AIHRC expresses deep concern regarding the human rights situation of Afghan migrants in Iran and earnestly calls upon the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other relevant authorities in the country to respect the principles and standards of human rights for migrants and reconsider their policies toward them,” AIHRC statement reads.
AIHRC further urged all human rights organizations within and outside Iran to “initiate advocacy campaigns in this regard and demands accountability from the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially concerning the human rights of Afghan migrants, particularly those who are subjected to severe hardships and constitute a significant population.”
The human rights organization called on the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to investigate and take immediate action to improve the human rights situation of Afghanistan refugees residing in Iran.
As tensions escalate over Helmand water rights, the human rights organization remains concerned about the situation faced by Afghanistan refugees in Iran. The possibility of increased restrictions and heightened deportations adds to the urgency of their condition.
Iranian officials have recently warned the Taliban to secure the country’s water rights from the Helmand River, emphasizing their commitment to employing all available options to make it happen.