Australia advises citizens against traveling to Afghanistan

Australia warns its citizens against traveling to Afghanistan due to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention under Taliban rule.

The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan under Taliban control, citing extremely dangerous security conditions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 3, the ministry warned of a very high risk of terrorism and kidnapping throughout Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul.

According to the ministry, no location in Afghanistan can be considered safe from the threat of attacks, highlighting the pervasive security dangers across the country.

Foreign nationals in Afghanistan also face the serious risk of arbitrary detention, the ministry added, increasing concerns for the safety of foreigners in the country.

This travel advisory follows similar warnings from other countries that have previously recommended their citizens avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to escalating security risks.

Experts from international security organizations have emphasized that the volatile situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, with ongoing violence and instability limiting humanitarian access and endangering civilians.

In light of these challenges, travelers are strongly advised to heed official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel to Afghanistan, as the security environment remains unpredictable and hazardous.

Australia advises citizens against traveling to Afghanistan
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Afghans Waiting in ‘Third Countries’ for US Immigration Face Uncertainty

Many of these individuals currently reside in Pakistan, but at the same time, obtaining residency visas there has become increasingly difficult.

A number of Afghans holding US immigration cases are once again expressing concern about their uncertain fate while living in third countries.

Thousands of Afghans who fled to neighboring countries hoping for relocation to the United States after the political changes in Afghanistan are now complaining about various hardships and an uncertain, exhausting situation.

One Afghan, who requested anonymity, said that the problems and concerns of refugees living in Pakistan have increased. He urged the US government to announce a policy soon regarding these refugees so they can be freed from this prolonged wait and uncertain condition.

Many of these individuals currently reside in Pakistan, but at the same time, obtaining residency visas there has become increasingly difficult. Temporary stays have expired, and Pakistan’s refugee agency has imposed stricter conditions.

Another US immigration applicant, also speaking anonymously, said: “Our problems have significantly increased, and we ask the US to expedite the processing of P2 and P1 cases.” Another Afghan refugee stated: “We demand that the US put an end to the plight of Afghan refugees and restart the relocation process.”

Meanwhile, refugee rights activists believe there should be a fair resolution regarding the fate of those with pending US immigration cases. Mohammad Jamal Muslim, a refugee rights activist, said: “Solutions to refugee issues must be sought through diplomatic means that serve the interests of the humanitarian community. International donors and politicians are exploiting the situation, and refugees must be rescued from their influence.”

On his first day in office, the US president signed an executive order suspending the US refugee program and handed over the responsibility of reviewing the process to the State Department.

Afghans Waiting in ‘Third Countries’ for US Immigration Face Uncertainty
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Germany Rules Out Diplomatic Relations with Islamic Emirate

German media reported that the ministry emphasized that contacts are maintained only at a “technical” level.

On Monday, the German Foreign Ministry, responding to reports about contact with the Islamic Emirate, stated that there are no plans to establish diplomatic or political relations with Afghanistan’s interim government.

German media reported that the ministry emphasized that contacts are maintained only at a “technical” level.

A statement from the German Foreign Ministry read: “There are no plans on the part of the German government to engage in political contact with the Taliban. However, technical-level contact has been maintained.”

Najib-ur-Rahman Shamal, a political analyst, said: “Due to concerns from the German Foreign Ministry, all German aid to Afghanistan remains limited to technical and logistical support because of the non-recognition of the Islamic Emirate. This is a concern for them. We hope that based on requests from the international community, Germany, and other international institutions, fundamental reforms in governance and the government structure will take place to pave the way for broader engagement between Afghanistan and the global community, including European countries and Germany.”

Although Germany and other European countries currently refrain from establishing official relations with the Islamic Emirate, experts believe that targeted and conditional engagement could help reduce the humanitarian crisis and open the door for real dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community.

Fazl-ur-Rahman Oria, a political analyst, said: “At present, Afghanistan urgently needs to establish and expand diplomatic relations with European Union countries, especially Germany. Germany is one of the world’s industrial powers and has a deep influence within the EU and globally. Strong relations between Afghanistan and Germany would greatly benefit Afghanistan.”

Wais Naseri, another political analyst, stated: “From the perspective of international engagement, there is practical interaction, but official recognition of the current Afghan government is not on the agenda of any country, not Germany, not Russia, not China, not Pakistan, nor any other country, until the Taliban meet the world’s four main conditions: human rights, and rights for women and girls.”

Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, most countries, including Germany, have suspended their diplomatic activities in Afghanistan.

Germany Rules Out Diplomatic Relations with Islamic Emirate
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UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis

Political and human rights experts view the upcoming Security Council meeting as important but insufficient to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

The United Nations Security Council has announced it will hold a meeting on the 23rd of this month to review the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

According to the Security Council’s statement, special briefings will be delivered by Roza Otunbayeva, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for Afghanistan, Sima Bahous, head of UN Women, and officials from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The meeting will primarily focus on the humanitarian aid situation in Afghanistan.

The UN Security Council’s statement reads: “In June, the Security Council will convene for its quarterly open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Afghanistan.”

Ahmad Khan Andar, a political analyst, said: “Any meeting held by the UN, its various agencies, neighboring countries, and the world regarding Afghanistan’s current political and economic situation brings us satisfaction, as it shows the world has not forgotten our people and country. However, the UN, despite Afghanistan’s long-standing membership, has been passive over the past half-century during wars and occupations.”

Political and human rights experts view the upcoming Security Council meeting as important but insufficient to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

They noted that the presence of figures like Roza Otunbayeva and Sima Bahous highlights the UN’s focus on women’s rights, humanitarian issues, and aid delivery. However, they argue that without engagement between the international community and the Islamic Emirate, such meetings will not lead to positive outcomes.

Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy, a political analyst, said: “So far, the Security Council has only focused on highlighting the Islamic Emirate’s weaknesses. Unfortunately, it has overlooked the real suffering of the Afghan people and the country’s urgent needs.”

Idris Mohammadi Zazai, another political expert, said: “If the Security Council engages with the Islamic Emirate in any form and Afghanistan reconnects with the world, I believe these problems will gradually be resolved.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has again emphasized that representatives of the interim government should be included in such meetings.

It is worth noting that the last Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, held three months ago, ended with the extension of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate until March 17, 2026, following a month of consultations.

UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis
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Racism and Rampant Violence against Afghan refugees in Iran

Khaama Press

Rampant racism and violence against Afghan refugees in Iran continue unchecked, causing fear and suffering among vulnerable refugee communities.

A disturbing video recently circulated on social media shows two young Iranian men in a car chasing an Afghan teenager in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas. The car appears to be deliberately attempting to run over the boy, who is riding a bicycle.

In the footage, one of the passengers is heard shouting racist and threatening remarks, encouraging the driver to hit the teenager. Phrases like “Run him over, Afghans have no blood money!” clearly incite violence and reveal deeply rooted discriminatory attitudes.

The chilling scene, reportedly recorded on Seyed Jamaluddin Asadabadi Street in Bandar Abbas, ends with the Afghan boy managing to escape by riding onto the sidewalk to save himself from potential harm.

The video has triggered a wave of outrage on social media, reigniting public discussion on racism and violence against Afghan migrants in Iran. Many users condemned the act as yet another sign of the rising xenophobic atmosphere in the country.

This is not the first instance of violence against Afghan migrants. Previous incidents, including a widely-shared video showing an Iranian police officer pressing his knee on the neck of another Afghan teenager, have drawn severe criticism and comparisons to the George Floyd case in the United States.

Activists and social media users have condemned these acts as examples of institutional racism and systemic abuse. They are calling for an end to forced deportations, better protection of migrant rights, and accountability for those involved in acts of violence.

The anti-Afghan sentiment has also been intensified through media outlets and online campaigns. Nationalist slogans like “Deport Afghans, a national demand” and the spread of false narratives linking Afghan migrants to crimes have further fueled hostility and division.

The Taliban regime has remained silent, failing to defend Afghan refugees in Iran or condemn rising racist violence against the citizens of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghan refugees—many of whom fled war and insecurity in their homeland—continue to live in Iran without basic legal protections or refugee recognition. They face systemic discrimination, limited access to services, and increasing social marginalization.

Experts argue that the absence of official condemnation from the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Taliban embassy in Tehran enables such violence to persist. They stress that fighting racism requires not only legal measures but also public awareness campaigns and the dismantling of hate-driven narratives to prevent further cycles of violence and discrimination.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of Afghan migrants in Iran. As social tensions rise, both Iranian authorities and international actors must address the structural causes of xenophobia and implement meaningful reforms to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality. Without decisive action, such episodes of hate-fueled violence may continue to erode the moral and legal foundations of a just society.

 

Racism and Rampant Violence against Afghan refugees in Iran
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Review of Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” Plan at Stockholm Conference

Khaama Press

A conference in Stockholm reviewed Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” plan, aiming to create an inclusive political and social future for the country.

The research and policy center Lajward Yoli together with the Citizens’ Party of Afghanistan recently organized the National Conference on the Future of Afghanistan in Stockholm, Sweden. This important gathering brought together prominent Afghan political figures, civil society activists, and scholars living in exile.

The main focus of the conference was the discussion of the “Afghanistan Mosaic” plan — a proposed framework aiming to establish an inclusive political and social structure for the country’s future. Participants engaged in extensive consultations on various aspects of the plan, working to identify solutions for overcoming challenges in its implementation.

The Mosaic Plan for Afghanistan was proposed by the United Nations as part of its efforts to support peacebuilding and political stability in the country. It aims to create an inclusive and representative government that reflects Afghanistan’s diverse society and addresses ongoing conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.

Conference organizer Aliya Yilmaz emphasized in an interview with Hasht-e-Subh newspaper that Afghanistan needs a new social contract, one that dismantles power monopolies and guarantees equal rights for all citizens. She described the event as a platform for different groups to exchange ideas and build a shared vision for Afghanistan’s future.

Some participants critically reviewed the United Nations’ Afghanistan Mosaic plan, expressing diverse perspectives on its strengths and weaknesses. The conference echoed concerns raised previously during a meeting in Antalya, Turkey, where democratic and civil groups criticized the plan for insufficiently addressing Afghanistan’s complex social and political realities.

Afghanistan continues to face severe political, economic, and social challenges. Attendees expressed hope that such dialogues can foster national consensus and contribute to a sustainable path toward peace and stability.

Furthermore, international organizations and diplomatic bodies have repeatedly called on all Afghan stakeholders to commit to dialogue and cooperation. The United Nations, along with regional partners, urges the formation of a government that respects human rights, ensures equal participation, and addresses the aspirations of all citizens, especially marginalized groups like women and minorities.

Review of Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” Plan at Stockholm Conference
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Over 5M Refugees Return as Deportations Rise, Aid Declines

Ministry’s spokesperson, said that in just the past two months of the current year, 268,000 Afghans have been deported and returned from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported that since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power in Afghanistan, more than 5.097 million Afghan citizens have returned from neighboring countries.

Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that in just the past two months of the current year, 268,000 Afghans have been deported and returned from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said: “Additionally, 2,385,109 single individuals have returned separately from their families, making a total of 5,097,373 returnees.”

Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that in the past two months alone, more than 500,000 Afghans have been returned from Iran and Pakistan.

The agency added that due to the reduction in international aid, Afghanistan is facing a crisis and that the return process should be conducted with dignity, voluntarily, and under safe conditions.

A part of the UNHCR report states: “In just 2 months, 500,000 Afghans were forcibly returned home. Returns must be safe, voluntary & dignified. Afghanistan is pushed to the brink as aid dwindles. Support is needed more than ever as returnees face an uncertain future & struggle to rebuild their lives.”

Hadi Hosseini, a migrant in Iran, said: “These days, the deportation of Afghans has increased significantly. Those who have census documents must get an exit permit. They are given 15 days, after which they are transferred to a camp, and the camps are very overcrowded.”

Atiqullah Mansoor, a migrant in Pakistan, said: “The deportation of undocumented migrants from the provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab continues. The reduction of UNHCR aid and challenges in renewing immigration visas have greatly worried Afghan migrants.”

Previously, the UNHCR had also expressed concerns about the mass deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries amid a severe reduction in aid.

Over 5M Refugees Return as Deportations Rise, Aid Declines
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State Department restructuring scraps office dedicated to relocating Afghan allies

The Thursday notification to Congress would cut the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), eliminating the office on July 1.

“This is not streamlining. This is deliberate dismantling. The CARE Office was established to fix the failures of the U.S. withdrawal. Eliminating it — without public explanation, transition planning, or reaffirmation of mission — is a profound betrayal of American values and promises,” Shawn Van Diver, the president of #AfghanEvac, said in a statement.

The move is part of a massive redesign of the State Department that pushes additional cuts beyond the sweeping proposals previously made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In addition to slashing programs, it also proposes cutting another 18 percent of staff and would further solidify the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

While the Trump administration has been critical of former President Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, it was the first Trump administration that initially brokered a deal to leave the country.

In the aftermath of the withdrawal, key Republicans in Congress have put up roadblocks to efforts that would aid Afghans – both those in the U.S. and those left behind in the chaotic exit.

While the restructuring proposal said Afghan issues would be handled by the Afghanistan Affairs Office, congressional Democrats saw it as an end to an office designed to handle the complex needs faced by vulnerable Afghans. Many remain in hiding in the country and face challenges in getting travel documents.

“We welcome reforms where needed, but they must be done with a scalpel, not a chain saw. This proposal hands over Afghan allies who fought side-by-side with our military to the Taliban. It guts programs meant to protect brave democracy defenders living in fear,” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on each chamber’s foreign affairs panel, wrote in a joint statement.

They also blasted the further destruction of USAID, saying the plan “haphazardly moves what is left of our once prominent foreign assistance programs to Department entities with no experience dealing with such programs and accounts.”

Van Diver noted the law requires keeping a coordinator at CARE office.

“It is also not legal cover. While the office is gone, the requirement to appoint a Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts remains federal law,” he said.

State Department restructuring scraps office dedicated to relocating Afghan allies
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Afghanistan welcomes upgraded diplomatic ties with neighbouring Pakistan

Al Jazeera
Published On 31 May 2025

Taliban government to follow Pakistan’s move to designate ambassador to Kabul as tensions between the two nations ease.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said the charge d’affaires stationed in the Afghan capital, Kabul, would be elevated to the rank of ambassador, with Afghanistan’s Taliban government later announcing its representative in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, would also be upgraded.

A charge d’affaires serves as an embassy’s chief of mission in the absence of the ambassador.

“This elevation in diplomatic representation between Afghanistan [and] Pakistan paves the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple domains,” the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X on Saturday.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is due to visit Pakistan “in the coming days”, the ministry spokesman, Zia Ahmad Takal, said.

Only a handful of countries – including China – have agreed to host Taliban government ambassadors since their return to power in 2021, with no country yet formally recognising the administration.

Pakistan is the fourth country to designate an ambassador to Kabul, after China, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Russia last month said it would also accredit a Taliban government ambassador, days after removing the group’s “terrorist” designation.

For the past few months, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been rocky over security concerns and a campaign by Islamabad to expel tens of thousands of Afghan refugees.

Islamabad says armed groups which launch attacks inside Pakistan use Afghan soil. Kabul denies the allegation, saying such violence is Pakistan’s domestic problem to handle.

However, Foreign Minister Dar on Friday said relations between the two nations have improved since he visited Kabul last month. Last week, he also met Muttaqi and their Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a trilateral meeting in Beijing.

Following that meeting, China said it will “continue to assist with improving Afghanistan-Pakistan ties”.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
Afghanistan welcomes upgraded diplomatic ties with neighbouring Pakistan
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Russian Foreign Minister: NATO seeking to return to Afghanistan

 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims NATO is seeking reentry into Afghanistan under the pretext of security and regional stability.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has cautioned against NATO’s potential reintroduction of military infrastructure into Afghanistan, labeling such actions as a “time bomb” that could destabilize the region. Speaking at the Eurasian International Public Political Hearings in Perm, Lavrov emphasized that any attempts to re-establish a NATO presence under various pretexts are unacceptable and could lead to renewed conflict.

Lavrov highlighted that Western nations appear to be seeking ways to re-engage in Afghanistan, despite their chaotic withdrawal nearly four years ago. He pointed to initiatives like the UN-led Doha consultations as examples of efforts that, while presented as diplomatic, may serve Western interests more than regional stability.

The Russian Foreign Minister also criticized the growing alignment of countries like India with Western alliances, expressing concern over joint military exercises and collaborations that may undermine regional security dynamics. Lavrov’s remarks were notably pointed given the presence of an Indian delegation at the forum.

Despite his criticisms, Lavrov clarified that Russia is not opposed to Western involvement in Afghanistan, provided it is conducted transparently and without hidden agendas. He stressed the importance of honest participation in collective efforts to ensure stability in the region.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s ongoing commitment to Afghanistan, noting that the Russian embassy in Kabul has remained operational. He also mentioned Russia’s active participation in multilateral dialogues, such as the Moscow-format meetings and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s initiatives, aimed at fostering regional cooperation.

Lavrov’s warnings underscore Russia’s apprehension about NATO’s potential return to Afghanistan and its implications for regional stability. His statements reflect a broader concern about Western influence in Central Asia and the necessity for collaborative, transparent efforts to maintain peace.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Russia’s stance highlights the complexities of international involvement in Afghanistan. The emphasis on regional cooperation and caution against unilateral actions serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required to ensure lasting stability in the area.

Russian Foreign Minister: NATO seeking to return to Afghanistan
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