Afghan Family Dies of Thirst While Crossing into Iran
A mother and four daughters died during a desert crossing in Sistan-Baluchistan. Human rights groups report 17 Afghans died in mid-September.
Key points
- A mother and four daughters died of thirst in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province in mid-September.
- Human rights group Haalvsh reports 17 Afghans died during the crossing, a figure disputed by Taliban officials.
- UNHCR estimates 4.5 million Afghans reside in Iran, with over 2 million being undocumented migrants.
A mother and her four daughters died of thirst in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province. Their bodies were found in the village of Mak Sukhteh. They were among 17 Afghans who perished in mid-September.
Nizam Hematkhil traveled to the site to recover the remains. According to him, the women had been traveling to join him in Iran. They left Afghanistan to escape poverty and harsh rule.
Family sought survival in Iran
The group originated from the Baghlan province in Afghanistan. They had previously moved to Iran but returned last year. Hematkhil stated they exhausted their savings without finding work.
He described their return as a necessity for survival. The Taliban's takeover in 2021 worsened the economic crisis. Joblessness rose as international aid decreased.
Disputed casualty counts emerge
A relative said the group crossed without water. One boy in the group survived and was treated in Saravan. He was left behind by the women during the crossing.
A Taliban source confirmed the deaths on September 11. However, the source disputed the total of 17 victims. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported the group's claim.
Dangerous border crossing routes
UNHCR estimates 4.5 million Afghans live in Iran. More than 2 million lack legal status. Many pay smugglers to cross remote desert and mountain areas.
In July, 14 bodies were found near the border. Iranian guards shot 10 Afghans in December. Seven more were killed in November. These incidents highlight the severe risks involved.
