WFP Commits to Empower Iran in Refugee Support Initiatives

TEHRAN – Maysaa Alghribawy, the newly appointed representative of the World Food Program (WFP) in Iran, has reiterated the organization’s dedication to assisting Iran, a prominent host of refugees. This commitment is crucial, especially given the challenging circumstances that the WFP faces in the region. Alghribawy emphasized the need for enhancing cooperation and engagement with Iran to further the WFP’s initiatives and responsibilities, as reported by the foreign ministry’s website.

During a meeting on January 12, where she presented her credentials, Alghribawy outlined the WFP’s various programs and operations aimed at ensuring food security. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by highlighting the importance of fostering collaboration, asserting that “addressing humanitarian crises, including the refugee and migrant crisis, in West Asia requires regional and international cooperation.”

One of the pressing issues discussed was the influx of Afghans entering Iran. According to Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the National Organization for Migration, approximately 4,000 authorized Afghans cross into Iran daily. He mentioned that around six million Afghans currently reside in Iran, comprising both documented and undocumented individuals. This migration can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:

• Political crises: Ongoing conflicts and instability in the region.
• Social upheaval: Changes in societal structures that drive individuals to seek refuge.
• Natural disasters: Environmental challenges that force communities to relocate.

Yar-Ahmadi also noted that foreign nationals entering Iran must provide a deposit of at least $100,000 for a one-year residence permit. This policy aims to ensure thorough documentation of individuals entering the country, facilitating better organization and management of refugees.

In light of the ongoing refugee situation, Yar-Ahmadi expressed concerns regarding Iran’s immigration policies. He stated that if the international community fails to take responsibility and distribute the burden of hosting refugees fairly, then “the Islamic Republic of Iran will probably revise its immigration policies.” This statement was made during a meeting with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, held on the sidelines of the 75th Annual Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (ExCom), which took place from October 14 to 19 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Yar-Ahmadi praised the support from UNHCR in Iran but pointed out significant challenges. He explained that the increasing population of foreign nationals has led to immense pressure on the country’s educational, economic, cultural-social, and health infrastructures. Furthermore, he highlighted a critical issue: “Less than one percent of the costs for refugees have been covered; hosting additional refugees is improbable, and they must return to their home country.”

He emphasized that the priority should be on resettling vulnerable refugees in third countries. Despite previous commitments made during a visit to Iran in the calendar year 1400 (2021-2022) to provide insurance for vulnerable refugees, the number of individuals covered has decreased from 120,000 to 95,000.

Yar-Ahmadi stressed that humanitarian issues should remain separate from political matters, stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate with financial supporters of refugees in the country.” He further pointed out the challenges faced by the education system due to the influx of Afghan nationals, noting that the UNHCR needs to cover the expenses related to their education, including:

• Building new schools.
• Refurbishing and equipping existing schools.
• Recruiting qualified teachers.

He highlighted that around 25,000 classrooms are required to adequately educate foreign students; however, since 2021, only 21 schools have been constructed with support from the UNHCR, which falls significantly short of the actual needs.

This situation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to better address the ongoing refugee crisis in Iran and ensure that humanitarian efforts are adequately supported, both regionally and internationally.

MT/MG