Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, in a post on X, called on Iran to repatriate Afghan migrants in a “civilized and dignified” manner.
Kabul 24: Referencing “alarming reports” about the plight of migrants deported from Iran at the Herat border, Khalilzad condemned Iran’s brutal and inhumane deportation practices.
He criticized the hasty and uncoordinated expulsions, which disregard human dignity and violate fundamental rights, intensifying the suffering of vulnerable migrants.
Khalilzad highlighted that many of these migrants, who have resided in Iran for years, return to Afghanistan without shelter or resources.
Afghanistan, reeling from severe poverty, unemployment, and collapsed infrastructure after decades of conflict, lacks the capacity to absorb such a high volume of returnees in the short term.
He labeled Iran’s actions as reckless and in breach of international human rights standards, warning that these abrupt and harsh deportations jeopardize the lives of thousands, including women, children, and the elderly.
Reports from the Dogharoun border in Herat reveal that deported migrants are abandoned in appalling conditions, often without access to basic necessities like food, water, or shelter.
Many endure harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence during the deportation process. Iran’s callous disregard for the vulnerable status of these migrants has fueled a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region, leaving returnees stranded in a war-ravaged country unprepared to support them.
Khalilzad urged the international community to hold Iran accountable for upholding its global commitments to migrant rights. He advocated for a slower, more organized deportation process, coordinated with international and national aid agencies to ensure safe and sustainable returns.
Respecting the dignity and rights of migrants, he emphasized, is not only a moral obligation but also essential for averting a deeper humanitarian crisis and promoting regional stability.
