The human rights organization Haalvsh announced that on Saturday, May 23, border guards of the Islamic Republic of Iran opened fire on a group of Afghan migrants attempting to enter Iran in the Bacha Rahi area of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. According to the report, at least three Afghan citizens were killed and four others were injured in the incident.
On Sunday, Haalvsh cited local sources saying that after the shooting began, a number of the Afghan migrants surrendered by raising their hands, but despite this, the border forces continued firing.
According to Haalvsh’s report, women and children were also among the group. Eyewitnesses provided videos and accounts to the organization showing that after the migrants stopped and declared their surrender, some of the women and children who survived the shooting were subjected to violent treatment and beatings by Iranian border forces.
Local sources also stated that border guards confiscated mobile phones and some personal belongings of the migrants. Haalvsh added that the exact identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed, and Iranian authorities have not commented on the incident.
The shooting of Afghan migrants by Iranian border forces in border regions has been described as a recurring issue. According to Haalvsh, in the month of Mizan 1403 (October 2024), two deadly incidents also occurred at the Kalgān Saravan border crossing.
Based on the report, on October 14, 2024, Iranian border guards opened fire on a group of 300 Afghan migrants attempting to enter Iranian territory, leaving dozens dead and injured.
In a second incident that same year, a group of 150 Afghan migrants were targeted by a landmine explosion and gunfire from Iranian border forces, resulting in several people being killed, injured, or going missing.
Haalvsh emphasized that the use of firearms against unarmed individuals and migrants is contrary to humanitarian principles, Iran’s domestic laws, and international standards.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
