Statement by
Mr. Sattar Ahmadi
Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the Security Council Arria Formula meeting
On Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers crossing borders on Land and at Sea:
New Wave of Crisis
New York, 13 July 2023
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Madam. President,
We express our gratitude to Russia for organizing this important meeting, and we extend our appreciation to the briefers for their updates and informative briefings
Madam. President,
As indicated by today’s briefings, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face a multitude of challenges as they seek safety and better opportunities.
These challenges encompass perilous journeys, limited legal pathways, unwelcoming receptions, serious violations, detentions, family separations, restricted access to essential services, exploitation, and mental health struggles.
To effectively address these challenges, a comprehensive approach is indispensable. This approach entails inter alias, including establishing secure and legal migration routes, rescue relief, ensuring access to humanitarian assistance, combating xenophobia and discrimination, and tackling the root causes of displacement in particular ending armed conflicts.
As such, international collaboration between states, international organizations, and communities is vital in formulating sustainable solutions and safeguarding the well-being of migrants and refugees.
Madam. President,
Iran plays host to more than five million Afghan individuals, making it one of the largest recipient countries. Since the situation in Afghanistan is getting worse, and more Afghan people are entering Iran on a daily basis, this trend and figures are increasing.
Despite minimal support from the international community and donor nations, and while grappling with the adverse impact of unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States, Iran has persevered in providing crucial services to Afghans residing within its borders for over four decades.
Iran has granted free education and training to all Afghan students residing in the country.
The Iranian education system has warmly welcomed 670,000 Afghan students, including 3,700 students with special education and mental disabilities, in addition to over 33,000 students enrolled in Iranian universities.
Furthermore, Iran has taken significant steps to support Afghan women and girls who have been adversely affected by recent restrictions imposed by the Taliban. It has streamlined the visa process for women and girls seeking to pursue their education in Iran.
However, significant challenges persist. Iran shoulders the weight of a considerable number of Afghan refugees, placing strain on its resources and infrastructure. Insufficient international assistance further undermines Iran's capacity to adequately meet the needs of Afghan refugees.
Unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran impact Afghan refugees as well. Their negative impacts on humanitarian assistance are disturbing. Illegal sanctions can disrupt humanitarian assistance programs targeting vulnerable populations, as well as Afghan refugees. As such, organizations providing aid face restrictions in terms of funding, resources, and logistical support.
Additionally, with Afghanistan's fragile security situation as a result of long-term occupation and foreign interference under the pretense of fighting terrorism, the repatriation of Afghan refugees and migrants faces challenges.
Many refugees are hesitant to return due to ongoing humanitarian situations, political instability, and economic hardships in their home country. The uncertain future of Afghanistan further complicates the repatriation process and prolongs the stay of Afghan refugees in Iran.
Effectively addressing these challenges necessitates international support, financial assistance, the promotion of facilitation of repatriation efforts, and lifting and mitigation of the impact of sanctions.
Other countries, particularly those who claim to champion the human rights of the Afghan people, should share the responsibility by welcoming refugees and extending their support.
I thank you.