Refugees are people fleeing conflict or persecution. They are defined and protected in international law and must not be expelled or returned to situations where their life and freedom are at risk.
According to the latest figures communicated by the government of Iran, 800,000 refugees live in Iran, of which 780,000 are Afghans and 20,000 are Iraqis. Additionally, it is estimated that some 2.1 million undocumented Afghans and 600,000 Afghan-passport holders live in Iran. Since the upheavel in Afghanistan in August 2021, the number of Afghans in need of international protection has increased.
According to various government estimates, 500,000 - 1,000,000 Afghans have newly fled to Iran since the deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan in 2021. Afghans approaching UNHCR are citing urgent need for protection and assistance, especially for food and shelter.