Iranian Human Rights Group Warns of Escalating Racism Against Afghan Migrants

The Iranian human rights organisation Hengaw has issued a warning about the increasing levels of government and social racism directed at Afghan migrants in Iran, describing the situation as "catastrophic”.

In a statement released on Monday, Hengaw noted a significant rise in anti-Afghan racism within the country, both at the governmental and social levels.

The organisation labelled the deportation of Afghan migrants and the imposition of residency restrictions as "apartheid," urging both Iranian and international human rights and civil society organisations to address this issue.

The statement highlighted the recent arrest of Kobra Gholami, stating, "Kobra Gholami was threatened with deportation to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan for not complying with compulsory hijab laws, which exemplifies the severe injustice faced by Afghan migrants."

Hengaw expressed deep concern over the worsening human rights situation for Afghans under Taliban rule and the rising social hostility towards Afghan migrants in Iran. The statement also pointed out that despite having lived and worked in Iran for years, many Afghan migrants are denied residency permits in numerous provinces. Hengaw cautioned that the continuation of these practices could result in a humanitarian crisis.

The organisation also reported that at least 25 Afghan prisoners have been executed in Iranian prisons over the past seven months. Following the Taliban's seizure of Kabul in August 2021, a considerable number of Afghan citizens sought refuge in Iran. Experts note that this migration was driven by multiple factors, including fear of Taliban reprisals, economic hardships, and the pursuit of educational opportunities for girls.