A Call for Justice: Recent Violence Against Afghan Refugees in Iran

Kayseri, July 29, 2024 – The Afghan Refugee Solidarity Association (ARSA), representing the Afghan refugee community, expresses deep gratitude for the support provided by the Iranian government and people to Afghan refugees for nearly four decades. Iran has offered a safe haven to millions of Afghans fleeing war and unrest, and this hospitality remains a testament to solidarity and compassion.

ARSA, a leading advocate for refugees' rights, is deeply concerned about the rising anti-refugee sentiment in Iran, leading to arbitrary arrests, expulsions and torture of refugees. Horrifying videos depicting inhumane treatment of Afghan refugees highlight grave human rights violations that demand urgent attention from the Iranian government and the international community.

Recently, a wave of anti-refugee sentiment has led to harassment and painful torture of Afghan refugees. Physical assaults, threats, and humiliation of Afghan migrants in Tehran and other cities have raised deep concerns. Clashes in Tehran's District 15, resulting in the death of an Iranian citizen, have fueled public anger against Afghan migrants, causing fear among them. Videos documenting these crimes have shocked the world and revealed the horror faced by these vulnerable individuals. We condemn these actions and call on the Iranian government to investigate these incidents, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the safety and dignity of all refugees within its borders.

We call on the Iranian government, the international community, the United Nations, and organizations working in human rights to intervene and end the humiliation, insults, beatings, and assaults against Afghan migrants in Iran. We demand immediate action to lift anti-human rights restrictions on Afghan migrants and call on the Iranian government to take legal action against those who humiliate, torture, and treat Afghan migrants inhumanely, in accordance with domestic laws and international human rights standards. Opportunists who promote division and fear must not dominate society and lead it down a path of violence, hatred, and racism.

We call on the Iranian government and the people of Iran to reconsider their approach to Afghan migrants and refugees and prevent violent behavior, torture, and hasty expulsions. Crime is a personal matter, and an entire population should not be punished for the crime of one individual. The government should not allow extremists to enforce the law instead of the police. Refugees flee violence and insecurity, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with protection, compassion, and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

We call on the Iranian government to:

  • Respect international conventions and agreements related to refugees and guarantee their protection and security.
  • Conduct transparent and impartial investigations into reported incidents of torture and harassment of refugees and hold those responsible accountable.
  • Create safe and humane living conditions for refugees, ensuring access to shelter, food, healthcare, and education.
    Suspend mass expulsion programs and cooperate with international organizations to find sustainable and compassionate solutions for Afghan refugees, including voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement options.

The world is watching, and inappropriate actions against Afghan migrants and refugees will be judged by history. We call on the Iranian government and people to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and leadership in upholding human rights and protecting refugees.

ARSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants worldwide. Through advocacy, research, and direct support programs, we work tirelessly to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for those fleeing persecution and violence.

For media inquiries, please contact us:

  • Email Address: info@arsa.org.tr
  • Phone Number: +90 352 222 54 81
  • Website: www.arsa.org.tr