PESHAWAR: Former Afghan governor Abdul Jabbar Naeemi has strongly condemned the alleged mistreatment and human rights violations faced by Afghan refugees in Iran, urging both the Iranian government and international bodies to take immediate action.
In a statement issued this week, Naeemi said that Iran, despite being a neighboring country, has failed to uphold the values of good neighborliness and basic human rights in its treatment of Afghan refugees. He warned that such behavior fuels hatred and distrust between the two nations and harms long-term regional harmony.
Humane treatment of Afghan refugees is their fundamental right. Disrespect, discrimination, and cruelty only widen the gap between our people,” said Naeemi.
Calling on Iranian authorities to respect international law and human dignity, he demanded action against those responsible for spreading anti-Afghan propaganda or mistreating refugees. “Anyone inciting hatred or engaging in abuse must be arrested and held accountable,” he said.
Naeemi also criticized the current Afghan administration, saying it must take stronger steps to protect its citizens abroad. “The Afghan leadership must not remain silent. It is their responsibility to speak to Iran and ensure the safety, dignity, and property of Afghan nationals,” he stated.
He further called upon the United Nations to intervene urgently and activate all relevant departments to monitor and respond to abuses against Afghan refugees, wherever they occur.
The UN must act swiftly to prevent all forms of discrimination, defamation, and conspiracies targeting Afghan refugees,” Naeemi urged.
In addition, he appealed to human rights organizations and activists around the world to raise their voices against what he described as “ongoing oppression and repression” of Afghan refugees.
Afghans deserve the same rights as any other people. Their suffering must not be ignored,” he emphasized.
Concluding his remarks, Abdul Jabbar Naeemi reiterated that the Iranian government’s actions violate international law, human rights conventions, and moral principles. He urged immediate attention from international institutions to halt these practices.
Abdul Jabbar Naeemi has served as governor of Kunduz, Laghman, Khost, and Maidan Wardak provinces during his public service career.
Read also: Deadline for Afghan refugees extended amid Muharram
