Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations condemned what it described as an “inhumane act” by Iranian border guards who allegedly fired on Afghan migrants near the Kalgan Saravan area along the Afghanistan-Iran border.
In a statement, the Afghan mission denounced the incident as contrary to international human rights standards and the principles of “friendship and brotherhood” between the two neighboring countries. The statement noted that worsening economic, political, social, and security conditions in Afghanistan are major drivers of migration.
“The Taliban’s lack of responsibility and inability to ensure the safety and well-being of the people have forced many of our citizens to seek a better life abroad,” the mission added, calling for an “immediate and independent” investigation into the incident. The Afghan mission also urged Iran to “respond transparently, identify the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.”
The Iran-based human rights group Haalvsh initially reported that dozens of Afghan migrants had been killed or wounded in the shooting, but Iranian officials have since denied the incident. The Taliban have stated that they will make a decision once they have more clarity on the situation.
