Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile: Afghanistan is Not Safe for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders

On Saturday (July 20), this federation, in an gathering, called for an end to the forced deportation of journalists, human rights defenders, security forces, and at-risk individuals from Iran.

Members of this federation stated: "After the Taliban's return to power and the imposition of numerous restrictions, along with the fear of being pursued, arrested, and tortured, hundreds of journalists, human rights defenders, and at-risk individuals fled Afghanistan, seeking refuge in Iran with hopes of eventually reaching immigrant-friendly countries."

The statement from the "Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile" noted that with the intensified forced deportation of millions of Afghan migrants, including at-risk individuals in Iran, these people are now in a very difficult situation.

This comes as the International Organization for Migration reported last Thursday that from April to June of this year, 858,170 people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan, while 532,854 people have migrated to these countries.

According to the report, 56% of these Afghans returned from Iran involuntarily, 46% voluntarily, and 39% due to economic difficulties.