Consultative Sessions With Afghan Refugees In Qom

As part of the 2nd annual series of consultative sessions with Afghan refugees, UNHCR and BAFIA held a joint conference in Qom, AVA Diplomatic reports.

On 27 November, as part of the 2nd annual series of consultative sessions with Afghan refugees throughout Iran to address their social and cultural challenges, UNHCR and BAFIA held a joint conference in Qom. Over 350 Afghan clergies and missionaries, who had come from different provinces in Iran, highlighted during the conference their belief that the refugees should have an active role in addressing existing challenges.

The Deputy Minister of Interior for Security and Disciplinary Affairs, Dr. Zolfaghari, addressed the conference and emphasized that Afghanistan can best be reconstructed by its own people. He, nevertheless, assured the Afghan refugees of Iran’s continued hospitality and support.

Participants also gathered into working groups to debate ideas on an array of important social and cultural issues affecting refugees, the findings of which will help inform Government policies and United Nations assistance.

UNHCR’s Representative in Iran, Sivanka Dhanapala, added, “Iran’s hospitality is known and is being used as a role-model in other countries. We believe in dialogue and are delighted to see that refugees are consulted to find solutions to their problems. This synergy between the different groups will certainly lead to new ways forward.”

The series also includes sessions in Alborz with Afghan elites and in Qazvin with Afghan university students.