Statement on US and Israel strikes on Iran and escalating violence in the region

Following US and Israel strikes on Iran, once again we are witnessing lives shattered, homes destroyed and families torn apart as violence is spreading across the Middle East.  

The humanitarian impact is already devastating people are being displaced by the tens of thousands, and hundreds have been killed. 

 It’s a frightening time for some of the people we support, who have escaped decades of persecution in Iran and are now scared for loved ones trapped between bombs. Refugees in the region are also being caught in the crossfire and at risk of being uprooted all over again. We work with Afghans who fled the Taliban to Iran, only to face poverty, discrimination and threats of deportation. Now, they're trapped in an active war zone, with nowhere to go, terrified of what comes next. 

The EU is already warning that this could lead to one of the largest displacement crises in decades. Yet, at the same time, we see European governments slamming their doors shut and dismantling the safe routes that refugees so desperately need. 

The international community must act now to protect civilians and uphold international law. We call on governments to ensure safe routes are available to all those fleeing violence, and to uphold the right to family reunion which is crucial in times of conflict. 

We stand in solidarity with all those impacted and continue to monitor the need for legal support for separated families as this crisis unfolds.