Why has Iran stepped up its deportation of Afghan refugees? | Refugees News

For decades, tens of thousands of Afghans – who have fled war and poverty and sought a better future – have crossed into neighbouring Iran.

Tehran has largely been lenient towards members of this community. But in recent years, Iranians seem to have grown tired of hosting them – and sentiment towards foreign nationals has hardened.

The Iranian government has responded by expelling undocumented people. Those being forced out have no choice but to return to the country they escaped from.

While the Taliban government is welcoming returning Afghans, what kind of life awaits them, and what can the international community do to help?

Presenter:

James Bays

Guests:

Arafat Jamal – Afghanistan representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Orzala Nemat – Activist for the rights of Afghan women and director of the Development Research Group,  a UK-based consultancy

Hassan Ahmadian – Assistant professor of West Asian Studies at the University of Tehran