The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for an investigation into reports of a deadly attack on Afghan migrants along the Afghanistan-Iran border. Afghan media, including Tolo News, cited witnesses claiming that more than 200 Afghan migrants who illegally entered Iran were attacked, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.
Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, has denied these reports, dismissing claims of mass casualties.
Tolo News also referenced an “Iranian human rights organisation,” alleging that Iranian border guards were responsible for the attack. Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has not confirmed the incident but stated it is investigating the matter.
UNAMA expressed “deep concern over disturbing reports of an incident on 14 to 15 October in Sistan province, Sarbaz district, Kala Gan border area of Iran, with allegations that a large group of Afghan migrants were opened fire on, resulting in deaths and injuries.” It further urged for a
“thorough and transparent” investigation while emphasising the importance of protecting the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers under international law. The Afghan government, while acknowledging the difficulty of confirming the event as it occurred beyond its borders, has formed a delegation to investigate further.
This incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, where both Iran and Pakistan, which host millions of Afghan migrants, have recently intensified crackdowns on refugees following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Thousands of Afghans have fled the country since the withdrawal of U.S.-led Western forces, seeking safety and better opportunities across their borders.
Melissa Enoch
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