KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, is calling for the protection of Afghan citizens in Iran as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Bennett said more than five million Afghans in Iran, including refugees, are fearful for their safety amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
He called for the protection of civilians, including Afghan citizens, and urged both sides to exercise restraint and adhere to international law.
At least three Afghan citizens have reportedly been killed in Iran since the conflict began, further intensifying concern among Afghan communities inside and outside the country.
Afghan migrants in Iran remain especially vulnerable, with many unable to return to Afghanistan and having little to no access to safe areas within the country.
In recent days, many Afghans have taken to social media to share concerns about the safety of their relatives, especially those in Tehran, a city that has seen some of the heaviest strikes.
Iran has been a major destination for Afghans fleeing war, poverty, and persecution for decades. Iranian officials estimate that over five million Afghans currently reside in the country, most of them women and children.
