Abdul Salam Hanafi Calls for Islamic and Humane Treatment of Afghan Migrants

Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Administrative Prime Minister, during a visit to the Islam Qala border in Herat, urged the Iranian government to treat Afghan migrants with Islamic and humane conduct.

This request comes amid a sharp increase in the mass deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran, coupled with reports of inhumane and violent behavior by Iranian police toward these migrants. Hanafi emphasized that Iran, as a neighboring and Islamic country, is obligated to treat Afghan migrants with respect and justice, and to refrain from oppressing them or violating their rights.

Referring to the assets and properties left behind by migrants in Iran, Hanafi assured that these would be returned to Afghanistan, and no Afghan citizen’s rights would be violated. He stated, “Iran must fulfill its Islamic and neighborly responsibilities and prevent the violation of migrants’ rights. We will negotiate with Iranian authorities to ensure that the migrants’ properties are returned to them.”

These remarks come as numerous reports have surfaced about illegal and harsh treatment by Iranian police toward Afghan migrants. Many deported migrants have complained of confiscation of their belongings, extortion, and even insults and humiliation by Iranian forces.

Farid Ahmad, one of the deported migrants, said, “I lived in Iran for four and a half years, but the police took all my money and sent me back empty-handed. I urge the government to provide job opportunities so we are not forced to migrate.” Mohammad Reza, another deported migrant, also complained of extortion and humiliating treatment during the deportation process, calling on the government to create employment opportunities within Afghanistan.

The unprecedented surge in deportations, with up to 30,000 people entering Afghanistan daily through the Islam Qala border, has drawn significant criticism of Iran’s policies. These actions not only contradict Islamic and humanitarian principles but also reflect Iran’s disregard for neighborly obligations and international law.

Taliban officials have stated that full preparations have been made to receive migrants at the Islam Qala border, with services such as food, water, and healthcare provided. However, Iran’s continued disregard for the plight of migrants could further strain bilateral relations and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Iran’s harsh policies toward Afghan migrants, particularly the widespread deportations and confiscation of their assets, are unworthy of a country that claims to uphold Islamic values. It is expected that Iran, instead of resorting to mass deportations and inhumane treatment, would establish mechanisms to support migrants and contribute to improving regional relations. Otherwise, these actions will only deepen the suffering of migrants and contribute to regional instability.