The incoming administration of President-elect Masud Pezeshkian faces the daunting task of addressing both the humanitarian needs of Afghan refugees and the domestic pressures fuelling anti-migrant sentiments.
Unverified reports linking a supposed increase in leprosy cases in Iran to Afghan migrants have reignited calls for their expulsion, underscoring escalating tensions against the backdrop of a strained refugee situation, says a report on Radio Liberty.
According to Iranian media citing the Health Ministry, there have been nine new cases of leprosy reported in the past year, with three cases allegedly involving Afghan nationals. However, health authorities have not confirmed any link between these cases and Afghan migrants.
The controversy erupted when a freelance Iranian journalist, known for advocating against Afghan refugees, baselessly claimed on social media that Afghan migrants were spreading leprosy in Iran. The unfounded assertion was compounded by another journalist who went as far as labelling the alleged rise in leprosy cases as “bioterrorism,” demanding swift action from the incoming government to deport Afghans.
These claims have garnered significant attention on social media, amassing hundreds of thousands of views and sparking a heated debate about the perceived health risks posed by Afghan migrants.
WHO data
Contrary to these claims, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that while leprosy has not been eradicated in Iran, reported cases have significantly decreased over the past two decades. In 2022, only six cases were reported, down from 79 in 2005.
Leprosy, a chronic bacterial disease affecting the skin and nerves, spreads through close contact but is treatable with antibiotics. There is no evidence supporting the allegation that leprosy is being spread deliberately or disproportionately by Afghan migrants.
Growing hostility
Historically, Iran has hosted a substantial number of Afghan refugees, initially welcoming them during the Soviet invasion in the 1980s. However, sentiments have soured in recent years, exacerbated by a new influx of migrants following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that Iran currently hosts 780,000 registered Afghan refugees, with an additional 2.6 million undocumented Afghan nationals. Despite these figures, Iranian authorities have claimed that up to 5 million Afghans reside in the country illegally.
Public reaction
The Iranian government has taken measures to restrict the movement and employment of Afghan migrants, particularly in response to public outcry amplified by social media campaigns calling for their expulsion.
In the face of these challenges, Afghan migrants in Iran have reported increased harassment and difficulties, particularly during deportation efforts.
Iran has consistently argued that it lacks sufficient international support to adequately manage the refugee population on its soil, highlighting ongoing financial strains and logistical challenges.
The incoming administration of President-elect Masud Pezeshkian faces the daunting task of addressing both the humanitarian needs of Afghan refugees and the domestic pressures fuelling anti-migrant sentiments. As tensions continue to simmer, observers warn that baseless accusations such as those linking Afghan migrants to disease outbreaks could further exacerbate societal divisions and harm efforts towards peaceful coexistence.
Image: Fraidoon Poya/UNAMA
