The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) says more than four million Afghan refugees in Iran have become forgotten victims of the war and tensions triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the NRC, warned on Wednesday that many Afghan migrants have lost their jobs in construction and other sectors since the outbreak of the conflict.
He said rising inflation and falling incomes have left many Afghan families unable to afford food or pay rent.
According to Egeland, food prices in Iran have nearly doubled compared to last year.
The NRC chief added that many refugee families have been forced to reduce meals, postpone medical treatment, and borrow money to meet daily needs.
He stressed that Afghan refugees are simultaneously facing economic hardship, psychological pressure from war, and the trauma of displacement.
The Norwegian Refugee Council said its emergency cash assistance programs currently provide “a small ray of hope” for thousands of Afghan families struggling under worsening conditions.
The organization has also been providing psychosocial support for children and families, repairing damaged schools, and creating safe learning spaces.
Jan Egeland warned that unless new funding is secured, the NRC’s emergency assistance programs could run out within a month.
Analysts say the continuation of war and economic instability in Iran is making the situation of millions of Afghan refugees increasingly fragile and could contribute to a new wave of humanitarian crisis and regional migration.
Experts further note that refugees and migrant workers are often among the most vulnerable groups during regional conflicts, as they face insecurity without stable legal, financial, or social protection systems.
The report highlights growing concerns that prolonged instability in Iran could have consequences extending far beyond the country’s borders, affecting migration patterns, regional economies, and humanitarian conditions across the wider region.
