Kolbar, a term used by locals in Iran’s Kurdish regions, refers to porters who risk their lives carrying smuggled goods across the border for a meager living. Driven by unemployment, desperation, and meager wages, Kolbars in these regions, particularly those in West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Sistan and Baluchistan, resort to illegally crossing the border to transport goods.
These smuggled goods, ranging from televisions and clothes to cigarettes and tires, are considered contraband and evade customs duties. Kolbars carry these heavy loads on their backs through treacherous border areas to reach border towns and villages. This dangerous job is most prevalent in the border provinces and is considered one of the most hazardous professions in Iran.
The Human Cost of Smuggling
Kolbars come from all walks of life, with ages ranging from teenagers to those in their sixties. Tragically, many of these border workers have lost their lives. According to the state-run news agency ILNA, in early 2024, several Kolbars from Marivan died. Abdallah Belvasi, a union activist for Marivan workers, emphasizes the alarming rise in Kolbar deaths.
Broken Promises and Unmet Needs
Belvasi highlights the hypocrisy of the situation. The Bashmakh border in Marivan generates vast profits for the Iranian government, yet these riches fail to trickle down to the local population. Transit drivers, he argues, are also victims of exploitation within this capitalist system.
Belvasi proposes a solution: by allocating a small portion of the border’s profits, the government could create hundreds of jobs and transform Marivan into a thriving tourist destination, capitalizing on its untapped potential. This, he argues, would eliminate the need for dangerous Kolbar work.
The labor activist further blames the regime’s impoverishment policies for forcing young people, educated individuals, and even athletes to resort to Kolbar work. He emphasizes that Kolbar is not a legitimate job but a desperate measure for survival. These individuals risk their lives for a mere pittance, carrying loads meant for beasts of burden.
Belvasi concludes with a poignant question: “How long must we witness the daily deaths of young people on these treacherous paths? How long will mothers mourn children who leave for a morsel of bread and never return?”
A Grim Reality
Kolbar News, a platform dedicated to reporting on Kolbars and border trade in the western provinces, paints a grim picture in its latest annual report. It reveals that at least 44 Kolbars were killed in 2023, with 31 deaths attributed to shootings by police and border guards. Over 400 Kolbars were also injured, with 337 suffering gunshot wounds inflicted by border guards.
The report further reveals that most casualties occurred in the provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan. Landmines leftover from the Iran-Iraq War also contributed to the injuries and deaths, with seven Kolbars falling victim to these explosives. Disturbingly, the report identifies 37 juvenile Kolbars among the casualties.
A Stark Contrast
A stark contrast exists when comparing economic development indicators in border cities to other regions of Iran. Border provinces consistently rank lower in various economic, social, and cultural indicators, including per capita income. This economic disparity highlights the neglect these regions faces from the government.
