Afghan refugees in Iran complained over their deteriorated condition, saying they have been facing harassment there.

Many of them lack legal documents, including visas.

“I went to Iran four months ago. But due to their bad treatment even with people who had visas, I went to the police and surrendered myself to come back to Afghanistan,” said Sayed Mumtaz, an Afghan refugee who returned back to the country.

“The big problem is lack of residential documents. Many people have recently come to this country,” said Nasrullah Kashani, an Afghan refugee in Iran.

A video being circulated on social media shows Afghan refugees being harassed and tortured in Iran.

“With the negotiation of our team with the Iranian officials, it was realized that there is a need for international cooperation,” said Asifa Stanikzai, a women’s rights activist.

The Islamic Emirate urged the Iran government to treat the Afghan refugees well.

“The Afghans have recently faced a lot of problems. Although we know that some Afghans are going by illegal ways, they must be treated with soft conduct based on Islamic and neighborly values,” Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said.

The Iran embassy in Kabul denied any harassment or torturing of Afghan refugees and said that the video that is making the rounds on social media is fake.

“The videos which are airing on social media are aiming to affect the deep and historic ties between the nations of Iran and Afghanistan,” said Sayed Abas Badrifar, press councilor of the Iran embassy.

Analysts say that the Afghan refugees should be provided their basic rights.

“A refugee should have access to health services and education. A refugee should not be deported to his country because his life is under threat and then a refugee should not be punished while being deported,” said Mehdi Afzali, an international relations analyst.

This comes as millions of Afghan refugees are based in the neighboring countries of Iran and Pakistan. According to the Iranian officials, around five million Afghans are living in Iran, with many of them lacking legal documents.