Afghan journalists and civil rights activists living in exile in Iran are calling for expedited processing of their asylum cases and urging the United Nations to take their plight seriously.
At a recent gathering titled “Support for Civil Society Members and Journalists,” exiled journalists expressed their frustration and warned of potential hunger strikes if their demands continue to be ignored.
“We call on the UN: if Afghan journalists and civil society members are to be forgotten, we will hold a hunger strike,” said Naveed Azizi, a member of the Organization to Support Civil Society and Journalists.
The meeting highlighted the deteriorating conditions faced by Afghan exiles in Iran, who fled their country following the collapse of the former Afghan government in August 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power. Many have reported severe hardships and a lack of assistance.
“Since I arrived in Iran, I have been living in an extremely vulnerable condition, but unfortunately, no one is hearing our voices,” said Sweeta Gawhari, a social activist.
Nooria Ekhlas, another Afghan refugee, described her experience of living in Iran as one marked by neglect. “It has been three years since I began living in exile here. I face numerous challenges, yet no organization has provided any support,” she said.
The Taliban’s takeover in 2021 prompted waves of Afghans to flee to neighboring countries, including Iran, to escape threats and seek asylum. Despite their efforts to secure safety and recognition, many say their cases remain stalled and their future uncertain.
