Japan contributes 2.9 million USD to assist afghan refugees in Iran

The People of Japan donated 2,983,722 million dollars to UNHCR Iran within the framework of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), a regional, multi-year strategy, supporting voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance to host countries, AVA Diplomatic reports.

This donation will directly impact UNHCR and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s efforts to ensure that refugees have the education and skills, and are in good health, in order to earn a living upon their voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan, while also enabling them to contribute to society during their stay in Iran.

In education, the Japanese funding will assist UNHCR in continuing its support to the Government in the construction of schools in provinces with a high number of refugee students to ensure greater access to quality primary education.

The generosity of the People of Japan will also support technical and vocational training programmes the UNHCR conducts with the Technical and Vocational Training Organization and the World Relief Foundation to enhance self-reliance and livelihood opportunities for refugees. This will empower them with the necessary knowledge to provide a source of income for their families in Iran and upon return to Afghanistan.

The contribution will complement the Ministry of Health’s primary health care services to refugees including vaccinations, antenatal care, maternal and child health, and family planning. Also in collaboration with State Welfare Organization, UNHCR assists refugees in receiving timely treatment and rehabilitation assistance in settlements and urban areas.

 “We are glad to be able to continue to support the activities of UNHCR Iran in the areas of voluntary repatriation, livelihoods, education and health care. We hope our contribution will help enhance the human security of Afghan refugees in Iran,” said the Japanese Ambassador to Iran, Mr. Koji Haneda. UNHCR’s Representative in Iran, Mr. Sivanka Dhanapala, added that, “We greatly appreciate the humanitarian commitment of the People of Japan in supporting and protecting Afghan refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is important that in spite of escalating crises in other parts of the world and the global economic turmoil, that Japan stands committed to supporting solutions for Afghan refugees.”

For more than 30 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has hosted and supported one of the largest urban refugee populations in the world, and presently hosts almost a million Afghan refugees who left their home due to generalized violence and war