Iran Advocates for Cooperation with Afghanistan to Address Refugee Crisis
Iran has urged collaboration with Afghanistan to address the refugee crisis, with a focus on legal solutions for undocumented Afghan refugees. Iranian official Alireza Bigdeli highlighted the importance of dealing with refugee issues outside of political matters and emphasized the need for practical steps. Iran hosts the largest refugee population globally, with 3.8 million individuals seeking refuge.
In a recent meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Refugee and Repatriation, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Iranian official Alireza Bigdeli emphasized the need for collaboration between Iran and Afghanistan to address the ongoing refugee crisis. He highlighted that Iran aims to find legal avenues for resolving issues related to Afghan refugees, particularly concerning those who are undocumented.
Bigdeli praised Afghanistan’s efforts to prohibit human trafficking, recognizing it as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations. He underscored the necessity of separating the refugee issue from political disputes and called for practical measures to tackle this pressing problem.
According to a factsheet by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for April to June 2024, Iran hosts the world’s largest refugee population, accommodating 3.8 million refugees and individuals in refugee-like conditions. This reflects Iran’s long-standing commitment to providing refuge to individuals fleeing conflict and persecution.
The factsheet reveals that a remarkable 99% of registered refugees reside in urban areas, integrating with local communities, while the remaining 1% live in designated refugee settlements across 12 provinces in Iran. This situation highlights the importance of continued support and effective policies to manage the needs of this vulnerable population.
In summary, the Iranian government’s call for cooperation with Afghanistan aims to find lasting legal solutions for Afghan refugees, particularly undocumented ones. By separating refugee issues from political contexts, the two nations can enhance collaborative efforts to address the crisis effectively. Iran’s significant role as a host to millions of refugees underscores the urgent need for international support and coordination in managing these humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
