Iran is seeking collaboration with Afghanistan to address the Afghan refugee crisis, focusing on legal solutions and the prohibition of human trafficking. With 3.8 million refugees, Iran hosts the largest refugee population globally, emphasizing the need for practical action, separate from political issues.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has called for collaboration with Afghanistan to address the issue of Afghan refugees. Alireza Bigdeli, during a meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Refugee and Repatriation Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, expressed the need for lawful solutions regarding Afghan refugees, emphasizing that long-term resolutions must be found for undocumented refugees.
Bigdeli highlighted Iran’s intent to regularize the status of Afghan refugees and praised Afghanistan for its commitment to banning human trafficking. He stated, “Prohibition of human trafficking from Afghanistan to Iran will strengthen cooperation between the two countries.” Both officials stressed the significance of removing political considerations from refugee discussions to focus on practical solutions.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Iran is currently home to the largest refugee population globally, hosting approximately 3.8 million refugees and individuals in refugee-like conditions, having offered asylum for over forty years. The UNHCR factsheet indicates that 99% of registered refugees live within urban communities, while a mere 1% reside in designated refugee settlements across twelve Iranian provinces.
In summary, Iran is actively seeking cooperative measures with Afghanistan to address the pressing issue of Afghan refugees, particularly focusing on legalizing their status. The commitment to combating human trafficking has been recognized as a vital factor in enhancing bilateral cooperation. With Iran accommodating the world’s largest refugee population, the stakeholders emphasize the distinction between political matters and the humanitarian refugee crisis to ensure effective and practical resolutions.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
