Tehran – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners recently provided equipment to medical clinics in cities where many Afghan migrants live. IOM also provided hygiene packages to Afghans in key settlements in Iran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is an important Member State for IOM, being a major country of transit and destination for people on the move, and a country which has generously been hosting a large number of migrants and refugees for the past four decades. Iran’s support towards migrants and refugees has been commendable especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the political development in Afghanistan which caused large-scale movement of Afghans towards Iran.

A major sub-regional migration hub within Western Asia, Iran hosts approximately 4 million refugees and migrants who constitute over four per cent of the country’s population. It recognizes the many contributions of migrant workers to its economy. Since 2015, children of undocumented migrants have been allowed to enroll in schools and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Iran has ensured the inclusion of migrants and refugees in the vaccination plan.  

Accompanied by a representative from the Embassy of Japan, IOM delegation from IOM HQ in Geneva, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and IOM Iran team visited Damavand city in late May, where IOM, in partnership with the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (BAFIA) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), is working to increase migrants’ access to health services by provision of medical equipment a clinic where Afghans refer the most. This project, funded by Government of Japan, aims to provide life-saving multi-sectoral assistance to crisis affected population in the country with the focus on equipping medical centers in different border provinces and cities.

With presence of a representative from the Embassy of Italy, the IOM delegation comprising experts from HQ and the ROAP, and IOM Iran representative visited the second largest migrant and refugee settlement in Saveh city, where IOM, in close collaboration with BAFIA HQs and provincial BAFIA, provides hygiene kits to the vulnerable Afghan refugees and migrants. This project, which is funded by the Government of Italy, aims to provide hygiene kits to 1,114 refugee and migrant households in this settlement.

“The ever-increasing number of people on the move especially in the Asia and the Pacific has highlighted the significant need for strengthened commitment and collaboration from everyone when it comes to managing migration,” said Mahnaz Mahmoudi, IOM Iran Officer in Charge.

“The visit to Damavand and Saveh cities has shown the potential of coordinated efforts in building resilience for migrant communities, engaging the international community, and empowering countries for the benefit of all,” Mahnaz Mahmoudi added.

***

For more information, please contact IOM Iran Media and Communication Unit at iomiranmedia@iom.int or Itayi Viriri at the IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at iviriri@iom.int.