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Iran says it spends over $10 billion annually on Afghan refugees
Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said on Thursday that Tehran spends more than $10 billion annually to meet the needs of Afghan refugees, while it does not receive sufficient assistance from the international community.
“As a neighbor, Iran has borne a disproportionate share of the burden of the Afghan crisis, especially after the reckless withdrawal of the United States in 2020. More than six million Afghans have taken refuge in Iran, which has put a lot of pressure on our limited resources. Iran spends more than 10 billion dollars annually to meet their needs, but this time it has not received enough support from the international community,” Iravani said at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
He said that refugee hosting countries like Iran and Pakistan need sustained aid, while efforts must focus on enabling refugees’ return by strengthening Afghanistan’s capacity to provide housing, jobs, and essential services.
“Enhancing these capacities is crucial for regional stability and the dignity of returning refugees. The international community must act to support these efforts,” Iravani said.
The diplomat said that a representative and inclusive government is essential for long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
“An inclusive government can address key challenges, prevent conflict resurgence, and curb refugee flows to neighboring countries. It also lays the foundation for stability, security, and the protection of human rights, including those of women and girls,” he said.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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