Displaced International (DI) Statement on Iran’s Mass Forcible Return, Profiling, and Scapegoating of Afghan Refugees in Violation of Non Refoulement
Displaced International (DI) expresses grave concern over the Government of Iran’s large-scale deportation, profiling, and scapegoating of Afghan refugees—a breach of the international legal principle of non-refoulement. These developments follow the recent Twelve-Day War between Iran and Israel, which further endangered vulnerable displaced communities, including Afghans, as outlined in DI’s statements on June 13 and June 17.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 640,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since March 20, 2025, when authorities set a return deadline. Of these, over 366,000 were forcibly deported, including individuals with valid documentation, legal refugee status, or visas. On June 26 alone, 36,100 Afghans were expelled—the highest daily figure so far—with the trend continuing to accelerate.
DI is deeply troubled by Iran’s politicization of the Afghan refugee population, particularly its unfounded efforts to associate them with the recent conflict. These individuals fled their country to escape extremism, terrorism, and systematic rights abuses. To now be blamed for a war in which they played no part—despite also suffering its consequences in cities like Tehran—is both unjust and dangerous.
Such actions amount to collective punishment and a serious violation of Iran’s international commitments under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Afghan refugees have long lived in Iran in peace, contributing to the country’s economy, labor force, and society.
“Deporting refugees in violation of international law—while profiling and blaming them for geopolitical tensions they had nothing to do with—is morally reprehensible and legally indefensible,” said Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, Founder and President of Displaced International. “Iran is scapegoating vulnerable Afghans to deflect from its internal challenges. These individuals seek only safety and dignity, and the world must not remain silent as they are cast out.”
Displaced International calls on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi to speak out clearly against Iran’s deportations and discriminatory practices. Iran must be urged to immediately end unlawful returns and uphold its obligations to protect displaced populations.
In addition, DI asks Afghanistan’s political figures—especially those in exile and the diaspora—to break their silence and publicly defend the rights of Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan. Their advocacy is urgently needed to uphold the dignity, protection, and inclusion of these vulnerable communities. Silence in the face of injustice only serves to empower those who violate basic human rights.
DI further calls on the international donor community, including UN member states, regional actors, and humanitarian organizations, to mobilize immediate assistance for the tens of thousands of Afghans being sent back to a country facing total collapse. With more than half of Afghanistan’s population already dependent on humanitarian aid, and no capacity to support returnees, the consequences of these deportations are devastating.
To date, more than 1.2 million Afghans have been returned or expelled from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 alone, compounding a worsening humanitarian and regional crisis.
Displaced International will continue to advocate for the protection and rights of forcibly displaced populations and press for international accountability and urgent humanitarian action.
For media inquiries, contact:
info@displacedinternational.org
Support Our Emergency
Appeals for Saving Lives
Displaced International empowers displaced people worldwide by providing resources, advocacy, and support to help them rebuild their lives and communities.
