Afghan Refugees in Tehran: Engagement with the Taliban is a Violation of the UN Charter and International Conventions

The Afghan refugees declared that August 15, 2021, is a dark and sorrowful day in Afghan history. They emphasized that on this day, the efforts of the Afghan people to establish democracy and the rule of law were destroyed, and with the support of "foreigners," the country was surrendered to the Taliban, resulting in the destruction of two decades of progress.

The statement highlighted the severe deterioration of human rights in Afghanistan. The Afghan refugees expressed concern over the severe restrictions on individual and social freedoms, the deprivation of women’s right to education and work, and the increase in violence against civil activists and political opponents. They believe that Taliban control has turned Afghanistan into a "safe haven for terrorist groups."

The statement also addressed the dire economic situation in the country, noting increased poverty, unemployment, and migration. The refugees believe that "the Taliban's mismanagement and the limitation of international aid in the axis of strengthening the sovereignty of this group, have led to the collapse of Afghanistan's economy."

The Afghan refugees in Tehran further highlighted the widespread migration crisis, stating that since the Taliban's takeover, about eight million Afghan citizens have been forced to leave the country, and the migration wave to neighboring countries and other parts of the world continues due to the "oppression and tyranny" of the Taliban. They called for greater support from the United Nations for Afghan refugees.

The statement concluded that "the Taliban have turned Afghanistan into a haven for terrorist groups that threaten global and regional security."

In the final part of the statement, the refugees expressed that the Afghan people seek the establishment of an inclusive government under UN supervision and support for human and democratic rights, emphasizing that engagement with the Taliban is a violation of the UN Charter and international conventions.