Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Afghanistan’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Republic government, has described the killing and burning of Afghan migrants in Italy as “painful and shocking,” stating that the tragedy once again highlights the responsibility of states to protect asylum seekers and safeguard their fundamental rights.
In a post on X, Atmar called on the Italian government to place the assessment of the legal status of Afghan asylum seekers and the provision of safe and lawful employment opportunities for them among its highest priorities.
He also commended the firm stance taken by Italian authorities, particularly by Giorgia Meloni, in ensuring that those responsible for the incident are brought to justice.
The former foreign minister emphasized that the root causes of Afghan migration must not be overlooked. According to him, political cooperation aimed at establishing lasting peace and a legitimate political order in Afghanistan remains the fundamental solution to the crisis.
Atmar stated: “Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of Afghan migration should be among the foremost priorities of Afghanistan’s current rulers, political actors, and the international community.”
He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, praying for eternal peace for those who lost their lives and for patience and strength for their surviving relatives.
These remarks come amid widespread reactions from Afghans and human rights organizations to the recent incidents involving the burning of Afghan migrants in Italy, which have sparked significant concern and condemnation.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
