Dr. Mona Rahmani, CEO of the International Institute for Tomorrow’s Development, spoke at a meeting focusing on the challenges facing Afghan migrants in Iran about international double standards and the vital role of Iranian civil society in providing health, mental and social services to this vulnerable group.
According to Radio Salamat Public Relations, Dr. Mona Rahmani spoke to a Radio Salamat reporter about the efforts of Iranian civil society to provide services to Afghan migrants, referring to the “Iran, Motherland” campaign, and emphasized: “In the context of sanctions and global neglect, Iran is striving to improve the mental health and well-being of migrants by relying on its resilience.”
She said: “This campaign is a clear example of grassroots initiatives that are working to support the mental health and well-being of migrant families and affected women and children.”
Criticizing international double standards, Rahmani said: “Unfortunately, while Iranian civil society is doing its best to make the voices of the Iranian people and Afghan refugees heard by the world, these efforts are ignored by the international media and relevant institutions.”
He continued: “Despite cruel sanctions and widespread international pressure, Iran hosts millions of Afghan refugees and has tried to improve their living conditions in the areas of education, treatment, welfare services and social protection. This is while the mental health of these people is at risk due to the difficult conditions of migration and the pressures arising from discrimination and insecurity.”
Referring to the voluntary activities of civil society institutions at the borders, Rahmani said: “Iranian volunteers support Afghan refugees with dedication and continuous effort in the most difficult conditions and provide medical, educational and humanitarian services. They strive to maintain human dignity and pay special attention to the mental health of these people.”
He added: Unfortunately, the media and some international institutions, due to their double standards, ignore these extensive measures and services and present an unfair and incomplete picture of reality. This neglect places an additional burden on the shoulders of migrants and civil activists.
Rahmani concluded by emphasizing: Implementing humanitarian rights, supporting migrants, and ensuring security and stability in the region is a task that transcends geographical and political borders and will only be possible with the comprehensive cooperation and interaction of governments, civil society, and international institutions.
We remain committed to defending human dignity and equal rights for all people of this land and dear migrants, and we call on the international community to look at these crises with a fair and responsible perspective and take practical and effective measures to support and empathize with those affected.
