As concerns about the treatment of Afghan migrants in Iran continue to rise, a top Iranian security official has issued a firm warning. On Wednesday, August 7, Ahmad Reza Radan, Chief Commander of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force, announced that all “unauthorized” migrants must leave Iran by the end of the year and return to their home countries. The IRNA news agency reported that any migrants attempting to cross borders will be arrested and sent to camps.
This announcement follows a viral video that has sparked outrage, showing the arrest and torture of an Afghan migrant teenager by Iranian security forces. The video, widely shared on social media, depicts the teenager being beaten by Iranian police on a road, intensifying the backlash against Iran’s treatment of Afghan migrants.
Previously, Iran’s Ministry of Interior had stressed the need to expel Afghan migrants, citing the country’s lack of capacity to accommodate them. The Ministry emphasized the necessity of organizing those who are permitted to stay temporarily, but the broader message is clear: unauthorized Afghan migrants must leave.
Despite international pleas to halt the expulsion of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, the process continues, with hundreds of migrants being forced to return to Afghanistan daily. The ongoing deportations, amid reports of mistreatment and abuse, highlight a deepening humanitarian crisis. The Iranian government’s harsh policies and the recent disturbing video have drawn widespread condemnation, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention.
The relentless deportation of Afghan migrants not only poses severe challenges for those directly affected but also places significant strain on their home countries. The global community must take action to protect migrant rights and address the root causes of this escalating crisis.