Russia Extends Humanitarian Aid To Afghan Refugees In Iran

Of the nearly one million refugees in Iran, UNHCR distributes hygiene and sanitary items to the most vulnerable to help them meet their basic need, AVA Diplomatic reports.

UNHCR conducted distribution of sanitary kits to refugee women through the generous support of the Russian Federation in Dasht Zahmatkeshan Health Post, Kerman.

In 2014, UNHCR together with BAFIA and other partners has been distributing on three-month intervals basic hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, towels, toothpaste and washing powder  to assist some 100,000 vulnerable refugees; and sanitary materials to some 40,000 refugee women of reproductive age. Distribution is spread out over urban areas in 15 provinces and in 15 settlements. The distribution of sanitary napkins in particular has been an important measure in meeting the basic needs of refugee women and girls, upholding their dignity and self-esteem and in line with UNHCR’s commitment to supply sanitary materials to this population of concern.

The provision of hygiene and sanitary items to refugees who could otherwise not afford them was possible in part through the generosity of the Russian Federation, who contributed 100,000 US dollars to meet the basic needs of refugees in Iran. “The Russian Federation traditionally offers support to UNHCR,” said the Russian Ambassador to Iran, Mr. Levan Dzhagaryan. “We consider the activities of this organization extremely important for saving lives of people and maintaining stability and security in various regions of the world, especially in times of major humanitarian crises, and we highly appreciate humanitarian efforts of the Iranian authorities to accommodate Afghan refugees.”

For the last three decades the Islamic Republic of Iran has been hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world. Ahmad, an Afghan refugee, who lives with his wife and three young daughters in Bani Najjar settlement in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, noted, “My wife and I are very grateful for these family hygiene packs as I am sure many other families are. They help us take better care of our children and contribute to a cleaner environment for them to play and grow up in.”

UNHCR’s Representative in Iran, Sivanka Dhanapala said that, “On top of improving health, these supplies enable refugees to work and children to go to school.” The Russian contribution comes as part of the provision of essential services under the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), a regional multi-year strategy supporting voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries. “We greatly appreciate the humanitarian commitment of the Russian Federation and its people in supporting and protecting refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Mr. Dhanapala.