Arrest of at Least 12 Undocumented Baloch Families and Their Transfer to Vahdat Camp in Yazd

Balochistan Human Rights Group reports that on December 28, 2025, at least 12 undocumented Baloch families were arrested following raids by military forces and plainclothes agents on the areas of Bakh and Gariz in Taft County, Yazd Province. The families were subsequently transferred to the so-called Vahdat Camp in Yazd.

According to received information, these arrests were carried out without a transparent or independent process to assess the individuals’ identity and legal status. Women, children, and even infants are among those detained. As time passes, concern over the fate of the detainees has grown, particularly as they are being held under the designation of “foreign nationals.”
Presentation of Identity Documents Inside the Camp

Videos and images released from inside Vahdat Camp show that several detained Baluch citizens have presented official documents and case files related to their long-standing efforts to obtain Iranian birth certificates and legal identity recognition. These documents include residency certificates, local affidavits, official letters from district authorities, records of applications submitted to government institutions, and files currently under review.

The documentation demonstrates that many of these individuals have pursued legal and formal procedures for years to obtain identification documents. Nevertheless, despite presenting these records to authorities, they continue to be detained as “foreign nationals.” Detainees have reportedly been informed of the possibility of transfer to Zahedan Camp and subsequent deportation to Afghanistan—an action that may constitute a serious violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to nationality and the prohibition of arbitrary expulsion.

Identities of Some of the Identified Detainees

Based on verified information, at least 21 detained Baluch individuals have been identified, including:
Mohammad Hanif Toutazehy (Kharkouhi), approx. 45, son of Dormohammad
Ameneh Toutazehy, approx. 42, his wife
Nazanin Toutazehy, approx. 14
Yasmin Toutazehy, approx. 11
Also detained is the family of his brother:
Bazmohammad Toutazehy (Kharkouhi), approx. 39, son of Darmohammad
Golnasa Toutazehy (Rigi), approx. 38, his wife
Mostafa Toutazehy, approx. 6
Mohammad Toutazehy, approx. 14
Asna Toutazehy, approx. 9 months
These two families are originally from Nosratabad, Zahedan County, and are residents of Yazd.
Other detainees include:
Hatam Arbāb, approx. 48, with three children:
Parisa Arbāb, 17
Hamideh Arbāb, 11
One unidentified 14-year-old child
(Originally from Zabol, resident in Yazd)
Mohammad Rigi, approx. 42, with four children:
Issa Rigi, 17
Omid Rigi, 15
Mohammad Taha Rigi, 6
One unidentified 13-year-old child
(Originally from Zahedan, resident in Yazd)
Younes Naroui, 18, son of Jamshid, along with his mother (approx. 48, identity unknown)
An individual named Abdollah, approx. 35, surname unknown, originally from Zahedan and resident in Yazd

Human Rights Concerns

All detainees are from Sistan and Balochistan Province. Some have active and ongoing cases with relevant authorities for obtaining birth certificates and legal identity. The release of identity documents from inside the camp indicates that these arrests were carried out without a complete, independent, and rights-based review of their legal status.
Baloch activists and human rights defenders emphasize that security-based treatment of undocumented citizens—especially those with active legal cases—does not resolve the long-standing identity crisis. Instead, it deepens structural discrimination, prolongs deprivation, and exacerbates the humanitarian, social, and psychological consequences faced by Baloch communities.
Balochistan Human Rights Group calls for an immediate halt to security-driven measures, the release of the detainees, an independent review of their identity cases, and full respect for their right to nationality, human dignity, and legal protection in accordance with international human rights obligations.