UN asks for probe into alleged Afghan migrant shooting at Iran border

UNs Afghanistan mission wants investigation of reported shooting of Afghan migrants at Iran border. Over 200 migrants allegedly attacked Iranian officials deny deaths Taliban government investigating incident beyond its borders

October 17 2024 , 02:02 PM  •  380 views

UN asks for probe into alleged Afghan migrant shooting at Iran border

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for a probe into reports of a large-scale incident involving Afghan migrants at the Iran-Afghanistan border. The alleged event which supposedly took place a couple of days ago‚ has sparked concern among international observers.

Afghan media outlets‚ citing eyewitness accounts claim that over 200 migrants who entered Iran without proper documentation were attacked on Iranian soil. These reports suggest that dozens were killed or hurt in the incident. However Hassan Kazemi Qomi Irans ambassador to Afghanistan‚ has strongly refuted these claims.

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Tolo News a prominent Afghan news source‚ quoted an Iranian human rights group stating that Iranian border guards had assaulted the migrants. The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan hasnt confirmed the incident yet and says its looking into the matter.

UNAMAs statement expressed deep worry about the disturbing reports from the Sistan province Sarbaz district Kala Gan border area of Iran. The mission emphasized the need for a thorough and clear investigation‚ highlighting that international law protects migrants refugees and asylum-seekers rights.

Hamdullah Fitrat a deputy spokesman for the Afghan government‚ mentioned that they couldnt verify the incident as it happened beyond Afghanistans borders. He added that a high-ranking team with officials from various ministries had begun an inquiry and would present their findings once the facts were clear

This incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing refugee challenges in the region. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan roughly three years ago‚ thousands of Afghans have left their country. Both Iran and Pakistan home to millions of Afghan migrants have recently tightened their policies towards refugees within their borders