Tehran Talks: Afghan Envoy and UNAMA Official Converge to Address Refugee Crisis

The situation of Afghan refugees in Iran is a pressing issue that warrants the attention of both local and international communities. Mawlawi Fazal Mohammad Haqqani, the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Tehran, recently met with Bojidar Vasilyev, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Liaison Office in Iran. Their discussions centered around providing aid and organizing the return of Afghan refugees from Iran, as well as addressing the impact of recent earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan, according to reports from Afghan Voice Agency (AVA).

The Afghan Embassy in Tehran has been actively managing the ongoing process of both voluntary and forced returns of refugees. To date, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland, with the majority settling in the eastern and central provinces of Afghanistan. This situation highlights the significant role that UNAMA plays in coordinating humanitarian assistance and supporting migrants.

Experts emphasize that the continued influx of returnees from Iran necessitates careful planning. The following points illustrate some key aspects of this planning process:

• Accommodation: Adequate housing must be secured for returning refugees.
• Service Provision: Access to essential services such as healthcare and education is crucial.
• Economic Support: Programs should be developed to aid in the economic integration of returnees.
• Coordination: Collaboration between the embassy, international agencies, and local government is vital for a smooth transition.

On September 3, a meeting of the local core group of the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) was held in Tehran to further discuss these issues. The meeting was co-chaired by Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the National Organization for Migration, and Mohammad Hassani Nejad Pirkouhi, Director-General for International Environmental and Sustainable Development Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Notable attendees included the Dutch Chargé d’Affaires to Iran, Stefan Priesner, the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran, and representatives from various international organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others.

During the meeting, Yar-Ahmadi acknowledged Iran’s long-standing commitment to hosting Afghan refugees, noting that this has been ongoing for nearly five decades. However, he expressed concern over the insufficient support from the international community, particularly from Western nations and SSAR member states.

Hassani Nejad Pirkouhi emphasized Iran’s unparalleled humanitarian efforts, particularly in the context of refugee support. He criticized the international community, including European countries, for failing to meet their responsibilities under international refugee law, stating that their selective and politically motivated approaches have aggravated the situation. He highlighted that unilateral sanctions and coercive measures against Iran have further complicated the conditions for both the country and the refugees it hosts.

During the discussion, a representative from UNHCR proposed the idea of holding trilateral talks involving Iran and Afghanistan. In response, Iranian officials expressed their willingness to engage in quadrilateral discussions that would also include Pakistan, stressing the need for enhanced coordination among all parties involved.

The SSAR, originally drafted in 2012 with support from UNHCR, aims to foster a regional approach to refugee solutions. It seeks to promote a fair sharing of responsibilities and resources for refugees at both the regional and global levels.

Key objectives of the SSAR include:

• Enhancing the resilience of Afghan refugees.
• Promoting coexistence with host communities.
• Advocating for equitable responsibility-sharing by the international community.

As a regional framework, the SSAR serves as a blueprint for governments, international organizations, and stakeholders to ensure that host communities receive the necessary support and that refugees can lead productive lives.

In line with the SSAR’s objectives, a Local Core Group for the SSAR Support Platform was established in Iran in April 2021. This initiative aims to address priority areas of support for refugee host countries. In 2022, a virtual SSAR Support Platform meeting was organized by UNHCR, chaired by the European Union, to better assess the needs of refugees and host communities.

At the end of 2022, Iran hosted the 8th meeting of the SSAR Quadripartite Steering Committee. This meeting focused on evaluating progress, identifying challenges, and charting a way forward in implementing the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, showcasing Iran’s generous hospitality toward Afghan nationals over the years.

Looking ahead to 2024, the SSAR Group aims to focus on:

• Maintaining and expanding protection for Afghan refugees.
• Strengthening inclusive policies.
• Promoting self-reliance and durable solutions for refugees.

These efforts will be crucial for ensuring that Afghan refugees in Iran receive the support they need and can successfully reintegrate into society.