KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, have expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 19 Afghan nationals who lost their lives while attempting to reach Iran through an irregular migration route.
In separate statements published on X on Saturday, August 1, the IOM extended its condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a profound human tragedy.
“Every life lost on migration routes is a profound tragedy,” the organization wrote, expressing sympathy with the families of those who died.
Richard Bennett also offered his condolences to the victims’ families, describing the deaths as “horrific.” He stressed the need to address the underlying factors that compel Afghans to undertake such desperate and dangerous journeys.
“It is vital to seriously address the root causes that lead to Afghans taking such desperate and dangerous journeys,” Bennett wrote.
The victims were part of a group of 19 Afghan nationals who disappeared around two weeks ago while attempting to cross into Iran through smuggling routes in Afghanistan’s southwestern Nimroz province.
The bodies of five victims were discovered on July 16 in the Dasht-e Margo desert, while the remaining 14 bodies were recovered late last week from the sandy plains of Dasht-e Lalo in Nimroz, bringing the death toll to 19.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by Afghans seeking work and safety outside the country. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has experienced a severe economic collapse, widespread unemployment, and increasing poverty following the suspension of much international assistance and financial restrictions.
Many families struggle to meet their basic needs, leaving migration as one of the few perceived options for survival.
In addition to economic hardship, limited legal pathways for migration have pushed many Afghans toward dangerous smuggling networks. The suspension or severe restrictions on the regular issuance of Iranian visas for Afghan citizens, combined with high demand for employment opportunities across the border, have led many young Afghans to attempt irregular crossings through remote desert routes.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 8 million Afghans have left the country since 2020, including around 1 million who reached Europe, most via irregular routes. The agency has documented at least 5,046 Afghan migrant deaths since 2014, many occurring along border crossings following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Human rights concerns, restrictions on women’s rights and education, insecurity, and uncertainty about the country’s future have also contributed to continued migration from Afghanistan.
International organizations have repeatedly warned that without improvements in economic conditions, expanded legal migration opportunities, and stronger protection measures, Afghans will remain vulnerable to exploitation by human smugglers and further loss of life along irregular migration routes.
