KABUL (Pajhwok): Displaced International (DI) expresses grave concern over Iran's large-scale deportation, profiling, and scapegoating of Afghan refugees-a serious breach of the international legal principle of non-refoulement.

In a recent statement, DI highlighted that these developments follow the Twelve-Day War between Iran and Israel, which has further endangered vulnerable displaced communities, including Afghans.

This concern builds on DI's previous statements issued on June 13 and June 17.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 640,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since March 20, 2025, following the announcement of a government-imposed return deadline.

Of these, over 366,000 were forcibly deported, including individuals holding valid documentation, legal refugee status, or visas.

On June 26 alone, a staggering 36,100 Afghans were expelled-marking the highest single-day figure to date, with the pace of expulsions continuing to accelerate.

DI is deeply troubled by Iran's politicization of the Afghan refugee population and its unfounded attempts to associate them with the recent conflict. These individuals fled Afghanistan to escape extremism, terrorism, and systematic human rights violations. To now be blamed for a war in which they played no part-while also suffering its consequences in cities like Tehran-is both unjust and dangerous.

Such actions amount to collective punishment and represent a blatant violation of Iran's international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Afghan refugees have long contributed peacefully to Iran's economy, labor force, and society.

“Deporting refugees in violation of international law-while profiling and blaming them for geopolitical tensions they had nothing to do with-is morally reprehensible and legally indefensible,” said Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, Founder and President of Displaced International.

“Iran is scapegoating vulnerable Afghans to deflect from its internal challenges. These individuals seek only safety and dignity, and the world must not remain silent as they are cast out.”

DI urgently calls on UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi to speak out against Iran's actions and press for an immediate halt to the deportations and discriminatory practices.

Iran must be held accountable and urged to uphold its international commitments to protect displaced populations.

DI also appeals to Afghanistan's political figures-particularly those in exile and the diaspora-to break their silence and publicly defend the rights of Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan. Their advocacy is urgently needed to safeguard the dignity, protection, and inclusion of these vulnerable communities. Silence in the face of such injustice only empowers those who violate fundamental human rights.

Furthermore, DI calls on the international donor community, including UN member states, regional actors, and humanitarian organizations, to mobilize immediate assistance for the tens of thousands of Afghans being returned to a country on the brink of collapse. With more than half of Afghanistan's population already reliant on humanitarian aid-and the nation lacking the infrastructure to support mass returnees-the consequences of these deportations are devastating.

As of mid-2025, more than 1.2 million Afghans have been returned or expelled from Iran and Pakistan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian and regional crisis.

DI remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the protection and rights of forcibly displaced populations, while pressing for international accountability and urgent humanitarian action.

pr/sa

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