The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for a “thorough and transparent” investigation into the recent deaths of Afghan migrants at Iran’s border.
The mission expressed “deep concern” over reports of an incident that occurred from October 14 to 15 in Iran’s Sistan Province, Sarbaz District, in the Kala Gan border area, where a large group of Afghan migrants was allegedly fired upon, resulting in deaths and injuries.
In a statement, UNAMA reminded all parties that the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are protected by international law. Families of the victims have also spoken out, calling on the international community to hold those responsible accountable.
“We have no information on whether our loved ones are alive or dead,” said one family from Panjshir. Mohammad Nasir, whose son was reportedly killed in the incident, said, “I had one son. He went to Iran because of poverty, and now he is gone. We ask the international community to bring those responsible to justice.”
Others, like Khalsa, whose son Jamil joined a group of 300 heading to Iran, said they have lost contact for nearly a week. “We don’t know if he is alive or dead. How can people just disappear? Why does Iran do this to us?”
One survivor of the incident told Amu TV that “Iranian forces opened fire on a group of Afghan migrants” as they crossed into Iran. He described women and young people among those targeted.
In response, the Taliban announced that they have formed a delegation to investigate the incident. Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the situation. The incident has ignited widespread concern over the treatment of Afghan refugees as they attempt to flee deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan.
