The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), an award-winning refugee charity based in London and the largest charity supporting Iranian and Afghan refugees in the UK, expresses its deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran, including escalating violence and severe restrictions on internet access. The internet shutdown is causing profound distress among the British Iranian and Afghan community, many of whom are fearful and anxious about being unable to contact relatives and loved ones in Iran.

ACAA also strongly condemns the unlawful forced deportation and mass return of Afghan migrants from Iran to Taliban rule. In 2025 alone, approximately 1.6 million undocumented Afghans have been deported, with millions more facing the threat of expulsion to life-threatening conditions. Iran hosts the world’s largest Afghan refugee population. Reports that Afghans have been falsely labelled as foreign spies in Iran are deeply alarming. Forced returns to Taliban rule place lives at grave risk, and hundreds of Afghan migrants have already died attempting to cross into Iran in severe winter conditions. We also strongly condemn the Iranian Government for asking the Taliban to provide kill lists so it can track down and target Afghans inside Iran. ACAA stands in solidarity with the millions of Afghan migrants in Iran who are facing growing uncertainty amid this extraordinary crisis.

We are gravely alarmed by reports of violence carried out by Iranian security forces against civilians and strongly condemn the killing of hundreds of peaceful protesters. Iranian authorities have a clear responsibility under international law to protect their population and uphold the fundamental rights of all Iranians, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.
ACAA is particularly concerned that internet access has been deliberately cut by the Iranian government as protests intensify. These shutdowns are deepening fear, isolation, and uncertainty, while preventing access to vital information and emergency support. For British Iranians and Afghans in the UK, the loss of communication with family members has caused immense anxiety and emotional distress.

ACAA works closely with British Iranian and Afghan refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, many of whom have immediate family and relatives in Iran. We have heard directly from British Iranians who have been unable to contact their relatives. The UK is home to more than 120,000 Iranians, a figure that has risen rapidly in recent years as Iranians have become the third most common nationality seeking asylum in the UK, reflecting worsening conditions in Iran. As a leading charity advocating for refugee and migrant rights in the UK and the largest organisation supporting the Iranian and Afghan diaspora, we call for the immediate restoration of internet services throughout Iran, so families can remain in contact during this critical time.

At this deeply distressing moment, we urge the British Iranian community to remain calm and supportive of one another. Times of crisis demand solidarity, compassion, and collective responsibility. We note recent demonstrations in Central London, including the removal of the Iranian flag from the Iranian Embassy, and call for peace and the de-escalation of tensions.

We urge the UK Government to take a leading role in pursuing a diplomatic solution, to speak out clearly in defence of the human rights of the Iranian people, and to work with international partners to press for an immediate end to violence against civilians. The Iranian government must stop killing its own people.

Commenting on the situation, Darius Nasimi, Head of Funding & Partnerships at the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), said:

“The internet shutdown in Iran is causing deep fear and distress among British Iranians and Afghans, many of whom are desperately trying and failing to contact relatives back home. The UK is home to more than 120,000 Iranians, a figure that has risen rapidly in recent years as Iranians have become the third most common nationality seeking asylum in the UK, reflecting worsening conditions in Iran. At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the situation of Afghan migrants in Iran, which hosts the world’s largest Afghan refugee population. Many are facing mass deportations, forced returns to Taliban rule, and deadly conditions at the border. The Iranian authorities must stop killing their own people, restore internet access immediately, and respect the right to peaceful protest. We urge the UK Government to take a clear and leading role in pursuing a diplomatic solution that prioritises human rights and the protection of civilians.”