Iran’s UN Envoy Calls for International Support for Afghan Migrants

Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, affirmed support for Afghan migrants, stressing Iran’s humanitarian commitment. He called for international support, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and the need for aid fulfillment. Iravani also highlighted concerns over Afghan women’s rights, the role of terrorist organizations, and urged the establishment of a representative government in Afghanistan while supporting the UN Assistance Mission’s renewal.

In a recent UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Afghanistan, Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting Afghan migrants and refugees. He underscored the significant burden placed on Iran following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and highlighted Iran’s longstanding humanitarian approach towards Afghan migrants over the past four decades.

Iravani pointed out that legal Afghan migrants in Iran do not face restrictions, with Iranian consulates issuing 5,000 visas daily. He addressed the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and called for a collective international response, urging donor countries to fulfill their aid commitments. He firmly stated that neighboring countries should not shoulder the refugee burden alone, insisting that Iran and Pakistan require meaningful support from the world community.

He emphasized the necessity for the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets and the establishment of responsible financial mechanisms to bolster the Afghan economy. Concerns about terrorist organizations, particularly ISIL-K, were also voiced, along with a call for Afghanistan’s authorities to intensify counterterrorism efforts, ensuring the country does not turn into a terrorist haven.

Iravani drew attention to the adverse situation for Afghan women and girls, advocating for the reversal of policies that limit their rights and access to education and healthcare services. He expressed Iran’s intention to remain engaged with Afghanistan through various bilateral and regional efforts and stressed the importance of forming an inclusive and representative Afghan government.

As the renewal of the mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) approaches, Iravani reiterated Iran’s support for UNAMA and urged the Security Council to provide adequate resources for the mission’s effectiveness. The challenges in Afghanistan, ranging from economic to security issues, have been severely aggravated following the Taliban’s takeover and the subsequent withdrawal of international aid.

The article underscores Iran’s enduring commitment to Afghan refugees and migrants, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support in addressing the complex challenges faced by Afghanistan. The call for the release of frozen assets, counterterrorism efforts, and the plight of Afghan women remain significant issues that require global attention and actionable responses. Iran’s engagement with Afghanistan highlights its role in advocating for peace, stability, and an inclusive government, suggesting a multi-faceted approach to rebuilding trust and security in the region.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com