DHAKA: Afghans fleeing fighting at home and seeking refuge in neighbouring Iran face increasing persecution by the Iranian government.

Human Rights Watch said in a report on Wednesday, says The Jerusalem Post.

The report, ‘Unwelcome Guests’, details a growth in arbitrary arrests, detentions, beatings and harassment of more than a million Afghans as Iran faces its own economic problems worsened by international sanctions.

The New York-based rights group cited unidentified Afghan officials accusing Iran of using deportations as a form of political blackmail against the Afghan state, which already struggles to provide for citizens living within its borders.

‘In recent years conditions have worsened and pressures increased for nearly all Afghans in Iran,’ the rights group said.

‘They face higher barriers to humanitarian aid and social services, arbitrary arrest and detention, and have little recourse when abused by government or private actors.’

Officials at Iran’s embassy in Kabul could not be reached for comment.

BDST: 1557 HRS, NOV 20, 2013
RoR/BSK