Iran Calls for Enhanced Global Support in Welcoming Afghan Refugees

During the recent 76th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Geneva, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Mohammad Bathaiei, highlighted the nation’s longstanding commitment to supporting Afghan refugees. Over the past four decades, Iran has provided essential services such as education, healthcare, and shelter to Afghan nationals, all while navigating the challenges posed by economic sanctions and limited resources.

Bathaiei’s address not only underscored Iran’s dedication to humanitarian efforts but also critiqued the declining budgets of the UNHCR and the lack of adequate assistance for Iran. He called for enhanced international cooperation and actionable plans to facilitate the voluntary return of displaced Afghans to their homeland. Below are some key points from his speech:

• Humanitarian Crisis: Bathaiei began by addressing the catastrophic situation in Gaza, condemning the violence against Palestinian civilians and the resulting mass displacement, which he insisted requires a unified international response.
• Iran’s Refugee Support: Iran has been hosting a significant number of Afghan refugees and displaced persons for over 40 years, leading to various challenges, including financial burdens, infrastructure strain, and social tensions.
• Annual Expenditure: The Iranian government spends billions annually on providing food, shelter, and education, with the cost for each Afghan student reaching approximately $1,500.
• Literacy Improvement: Efforts to educate all illiterate individuals have raised Iran’s literacy rate from around 5% to nearly 70%.
• Need for Sustainable Solutions: Temporary measures are insufficient in addressing the refugee crisis; a collaborative international effort is crucial for the safe return of displaced individuals.
• Budget Cuts: Bathaiei expressed concern over the 20% cut to the UNHCR’s budget, which has decreased from $10.6 billion to $8.5 billion, highlighting the contradiction between this reduction and Iran’s significant spending on refugee support.
• Responsibility Sharing: He emphasized that the burden of hosting refugees should not fall solely on one country, urging for a fair distribution of responsibilities among nations.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that as the global number of displaced individuals is projected to rise to 136 million, the financial resources allocated to address these challenges remain inadequate. He lamented the unchanged budget for the UNHCR Tehran Office, which remains at $140 million, a figure that does not meet the pressing needs faced by Iran in supporting Afghan refugees.

Bathaiei also addressed the current policies of the UNHCR regarding international protection. He noted that while the principle of international protection is crucial, the approach taken by the UNHCR has led to prolonged stays of foreign nationals in Iran, which negatively impacts the local population.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for the international community to step up and share the responsibility of supporting refugees. Iran’s hospitality toward refugees cannot be expected to last indefinitely. There must be strategic planning to facilitate the return of displaced individuals and ensure sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.

At the end of his speech, Bathaiei expressed gratitude for the recent visit of UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi to Iran, commending his leadership and efforts. He voiced hope that the UNHCR would continue to play a constructive role in supporting host countries and finding sustainable solutions for refugees. Furthermore, he urged the UNHCR to adopt a fair and needs-based budgeting model that accurately reflects the overwhelming burden borne by major host nations.

In conclusion, Iran’s commitment to supporting Afghan refugees is evident, yet the challenges it faces are substantial. The need for robust international collaboration and equitable resource distribution is critical to ensuring the well-being of refugees and the stability of host nations.

By addressing these issues, the international community can work together to create effective solutions for displaced populations, ensuring their safety and paving the way for their eventual return to their homeland.