TEHRAN - There is a need to create conditions that are eventually conducive for Afghan refugees for their voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan mainly in the area of “security and development”. These are the words of UNHCR’s representative in Iran Sivanka Dhanapala said on the occasion of commemorating the 30th anniversary of partnership between Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigration’s Affairs (BAFIA) and United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR).

The partnership ceremony was held in the Milad Tower in Tehran on Wednesday in which the head of BAFIA Ahamd Mohammadifar and the UNHCR’s representative were among the speakers.

After the ceremony a joint press conference was held followed by a question and answer session by the head of BAFIA and representative of the UNHCR in Iran.

On the issue of voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees of Iran, Dhanapala said that the establishment of a unity and democratic government in Afghanistan has been very encouraging, although he said issues of security, development, having access to basic services like education and healthcare continue to be of concern in the country.

He said that in recent years Iran and the world in general have been facing economic downturn and, therefore hosting refugees has not been easy for Iran.

“Nonetheless, we are duty bound to continue to search for solutions to refugees and in Iran in the context of primarily Afghan refugees,” the UNHCR official said.

On the collaboration between the UNHCR and the Iranian government to assist the Afghan government, Dhanapala said that they are looking into areas like education and healthcare to assist the government in Afghanistan.

He also said that in the following month (May), there will be a meeting between Iranian, Afghan, and Pakistani governments and UNHCR to discuss solutions for Afghan refugees.

The Tehran Times also got to pose a question to the head of BAFIA on Afghan refugees not having entry permission to some cities in Iran.

In response, Mohammadifar said that around 14 provinces in Iran - Tehran, Isfahan, and Yazd included – have provided employment and living conditions for refugees. Afghan refugees can freely travel around in these provinces without having to need a travel permit. But when it comes to other cities they have to have a permit.

“The proceedings have meant to support the refugees on their travels, not to constrain them,” he said. That way they won’t face legal issues in moving around in various cities by the police, he explained.


“We have put terms and regulations in place for the refugees to travel, but have not enforced bans”.

If they decide to travel to other provinces not included on the list, then they have to abide by the law and get documents and permits, he reiterated.

On providing education for Afghan refugees by the UNHCR, Dhanapala said that UNHCR has worked closely with the Iranian government to ensure enrolment of all Afghan refugee children of school-going age.

Dhanapala added that the UNHCR has been assisting Iran in launching a number of primary schools in the country with contribution of Iranian ministry of education.

“We have focused on adult literacy courses. That way we have empowered adults to take control of their lives and destiny,” the UNHCR official also stated.

On providing livelihood for the refugees in Iran, he said that the refugees have to have the right tools to assist them in their living when returned home.

The UNHCR has provided income generating activities for refugees and even at times it has provided refugees with tools to acquire skills and carry on a particular trade, Dhanapala said.

“One of the more innovative and creative projects is the provision of what is called ‘revolving fund’, where some startup capital is given to a refugee who might be an entrepreneur to help them with the startup capital; either when they are in Iran or in Afghanistan,” he explained.

He also said provisions are made to identify qualified refugees on this side of the border and link them up with employers in Afghanistan.

“So, when refugees become aware of possible employment opportunities inside Afghanistan, it might assist them in their own decision-making of repatriating,” the UNHCR official said.

UNHCR with its government counterpart in Tehran and Mashhad also held livelihood workshops in those cities where we tried to bring together potential employers from Afghanistan and linked them up with qualified Afghan refugees in Iran, Dhanapala said, adding that in the workshops around 30 odd Afghan nationals decided to go back to their country.

SP/P