The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that 5,000 unaccompanied Afghan children have been forcibly deported from Iran through the Islam Qala border in the past month.
Kabul 24: These children, returned to Afghanistan without guardians, face dire circumstances with little to no support. Tajuddin Oyewale, UNICEF’s head in Afghanistan, stated that a total of 150,000 individuals have crossed the border, with 25% being children.
Many belong to female-headed households, enduring extreme hardship and vulnerability.Oyewale emphasized, “These 5,000 unaccompanied or separated children are at grave risk of exploitation, abuse, and harm.
Iran’s ruthless deportation policies, disregarding humanitarian concerns, have left these children facing an uncertain and dangerous future.” Iran’s harsh stance on Afghan migrants, particularly children, has sparked widespread concern among international organizations.
Poverty and lack of economic opportunities in Afghanistan have driven children to seek work in Iran, but Iran’s cruel deportation practices have exacerbated their plight, exposing them to further risks.Murtaza, a deported child, shared, “I studied until sixth grade but went to Iran due to poverty.
Now, forcibly returned, I have no hope of continuing my education.” Nazir Ahmad, another deportee, recounted the mistreatment: “Over five years in Iran, we faced constant harassment.
We were extorted and abused, even during our forced return.” These mass deportations come as Iran’s deadline for Afghan migrants to leave the country looms just seven days away.
Iran’s unyielding policies, implemented without regard for the vulnerable status of children and families, have drawn sharp criticism.
UNICEF has urgently called for support to protect these children from further harm, but Iran’s irresponsible actions continue to jeopardize the lives of thousands of Afghan children.
The international community must address this crisis to prevent further suffering and ensure the safety and dignity of these vulnerable children, who are victims of Iran’s inhumane deportation campaign.
