Iran Advocates for Cooperation with Afghanistan to Address Refugee Challenges

Iran seeks to enhance cooperation with Afghanistan to address the refugee crisis, specifically focusing on undocumented Afghan refugees. Alireza Bigdeli, in discussions with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, stressed the importance of legalizing refugee status and noted the significance of combating human trafficking. Iran, hosting the largest global refugee population, emphasizes practical solutions while distinguishing the refugee issue from political contexts.

Iran has called for cooperative efforts with Afghanistan to address the growing refugee situation, particularly concerning undocumented Afghan refugees. Alireza Bigdeli, representing Iran, conveyed the need for legal methods to address this issue during discussions with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Refugee and Repatriation, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir. He highlighted the imperative for permanent solutions to facilitate the legalization of Afghan refugees’ residency in Iran, commending Afghanistan’s measures against human trafficking.

Bigdeli further stated that eradicating human trafficking from Afghanistan enhances the collaborative efforts between the two nations. Both officials recognized the significance of delineating the refugee issue from political controversies, prioritizing actionable strategies to alleviate the challenges faced by refugees.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) factsheet from April to June 2024, Iran currently hosts the world’s largest refugee population, comprising 3.8 million individuals in refugee-like conditions. For over 40 years, Iran has generously accepted refugees, with 99% residing in urban settings alongside local populations, while a mere 1% are housed in designated refugee settlements across 12 provinces.

In conclusion, Iran’s initiative to collaborate with Afghanistan aims to recognize and resolve the pressing issues surrounding Afghan refugees, especially those without proper documentation. By emphasizing practical solutions and separating refugee matters from political disputes, both nations can work towards enhancing the quality of life for millions of refugees residing in Iran. The commitment to tackle human trafficking further underscores the importance of joint efforts in these humanitarian aspects.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com