Japan Boosts Refugee Support in Iran with New Aid for WFP

In a significant humanitarian effort, the government of Japan has extended a generous contribution of $360,000 to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to aid refugees in Iran. This vital support will enable WFP to procure essential wheat flour, a staple food that is crucial for the most vulnerable refugees residing in various settlements across the country.

The WFP, as detailed in a press release dated March 4, emphasized that wheat flour serves as a fundamental source of energy and nutrition, making it a critical component of the diet for many refugees. By supplying this important ingredient, the WFP aims to:

• Ensure refugees have access to nutritious food.
• Facilitate the preparation of bread, an essential food item.
• Promote food security and stability within refugee communities.

Maysaa Alghribawy, the WFP Representative and Country Director in the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed heartfelt gratitude for Japan’s unwavering support. She stated, “We deeply appreciate the unwavering generosity and solidarity of the Government and people of Japan in supporting our operations in Iran. This vital contribution reflects Japan’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable refugees, and we are truly grateful for their partnership and trust in our work.”

Currently, the WFP provides assistance to approximately 33,000 Afghan and Iraqi refugees in 20 settlements throughout Iran. This support extends beyond food to include education and livelihood assistance, thereby addressing multiple facets of refugee needs.

Japan’s long-standing commitment to Afghan refugees in Iran is noteworthy. Ambassador Tamaki Tsukada remarked, “Japan has been supporting Afghan refugees living in Iran for over 40 years and commends the Iranian government for its longstanding commitment to providing Afghan refugees the same level of healthcare and education as Iranian citizens.”

Tsukada further acknowledged the challenges posed by the growing number of Afghan refugees in Iran, stating, “At the same time, we recognise that the increasing number of Afghan refugees in Iran presents a significant challenge for the Iranian government. We hope this contribution will help alleviate the nutritional needs of Afghan refugees.”

Iran, recognized as one of the world’s largest hosts of refugees, has provided essential support to around 3.8 million refugees and refugee-like individuals over the past four decades. The nation has offered displaced communities, primarily from Afghanistan and Iraq, access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, showcasing a robust commitment to the welfare of refugees.

The United Nations World Food Programme stands as the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It is dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and leveraging food assistance to pave a pathway toward peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the effects of climate change.

Japan’s commitment to supporting Iran continues unabated. In January, Ambassador Tsukada reiterated the Japanese government’s resolve to assist Iran in accommodating Afghan refugees. He highlighted the significant costs involved in various sectors, including education and healthcare, associated with the high number of Afghan refugees residing in Iran.

During a meeting with Nader Yar-Ahmadi, the head of the National Organization for Migration, Tsukada expressed Japan’s readiness to provide educational services to Afghan refugees in Iran, as reported by IRNA. The ambassador praised Iran’s efforts in hosting refugees and underscored the importance of enhancing collaborative efforts between Japan and Iran.

Furthermore, Tsukada emphasized the necessity of attracting support from other international organizations to tackle pressing issues, particularly drug abuse and addiction. In response, Yar-Ahmadi conveyed Iran’s willingness to collaborate with Japan in these areas.

Yar-Ahmadi also articulated a pressing need for additional humanitarian services to refugees, particularly in infrastructure sectors such as health and education. Given the current limitations on face-to-face education for foreign nationals in Iran, he urged Japan’s ambassador to facilitate the implementation of a virtual educational program for refugees in the country.

This collaborative approach aims to not only enhance the quality of life for refugees but also to address the broader challenges faced by the Iranian government in hosting such a significant number of displaced individuals. Through ongoing partnerships and contributions, both Japan and Iran are working towards improving the humanitarian situation for refugees and fostering a more stable environment for all.