Iran Criticizes Decrease in Global Aid for Afghan Refugees
Iran’s representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has criticized the international community for failing to uphold its fundamental commitments to Afghan refugees. He stated that international financial assistance for 2026 has been cut by around 60%, placing significant pressure on Iran, which currently hosts millions of Afghan nationals.
Iravani emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran cannot single-handedly bear the heavy burden of hosting nearly six million Afghan refugees. He stressed that this situation contradicts the principle of shared responsibility among nations and called on the global community to adopt a more active and equitable role in supporting Afghan migrants.
He also dismissed recent remarks by Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghan peace, clarifying that Iran repatriates only those Afghans lacking valid documentation.
In recent years, the number of Afghan migrants in neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, has risen. Migration experts warn that continued reductions in international aid could further destabilize the living conditions of Afghan refugees and negatively impact their prospects for voluntary return.
