An anthropological perspective on the lived experience of Afghan displacement in Iran

The dramatic population movements globally and particularly by Afghan refugees to Iran over recent decades and during the latest humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan bring about alternative definitions and unprecedented aspects in the interpretation of forced displacement. This study explores contemporary displacement as well as enduring diasporas through an anthropological perspective into the lived experiences of refugees who reside in Iran, giving particular attention to refugee groups living locally in Kerman province. While understanding social and cultural variations and similarities, this research gives a voice to the displaced and provides insight into refugees’ perceptions of the socio-economic conditions especially affected by the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. Considering the most affected areas in the lives of the diaspora of refugees and new arrivals, the impact of the COVID-۱۹ pandemic is explained concerning the decision-making policies, international and governmental support, and defining priorities. On this basis, this research proposes and analyses the various conditions refugees must follow in different contexts including education, cultural practices, and everyday practices. Despite certain spontaneous decisions, this article indicates that global and local policies influence the patterns of refugee movements in time and space as well as the classifications for different conditions while acknowledging the circumstances of alternative experiences affected by future respiratory pandemics across the globe.

کلیدواژه ها:

Afghanistan ، anthropology ، Covid-۱۹ ، displacement ، Iran ، refugee diaspora