Iran concerned by new wave of Afghan refugees after quake
The chairman of Iran’s Migration Organization voiced Tehran’s concerns over the potential new influx of Afghan refugees following a recent earthquake in Afghanistan.
Speaking at the 74th session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme (ExCom), Abdollah Mobini said that the recent earthquake that hit the city of Herat in Afghanistan has caused many people to lose their homes, which raised concerns within Iran regarding a surge of new immigrants entering the country, IRNA wrote.
Mobini stressed that while Iran has been a host to large waves of refugees and immigrants, the support cannot be sustained indefinitely.
He pointed out that Iran has not played a role in creating these crises but has nevertheless been a refuge for millions of displaced individuals over the past few decades.
The lack of international aid coupled with the vast number of refugees that pour into Iran has posed significant challenges for the country, Mobini said, criticizing the double standards regarding refugees, the political considerations of certain donor countries, and the disparity between the proposed annual budget by the commissioner and the budget allocated for Iran. Referring to the Strategic Solutions Document for Afghan Refugees, Mobini emphasized the importance of the voluntary repatriation of refugees to their home country.
He said the only solution to this crisis involves the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan .