TEHRAN –An Iranian delegation led by Nader Yar-Ahmadi, an official with the National Organization for Migration, is participating in the 75th Annual Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (ExCom) being held from October 14 to 19 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Officials and representatives from different countries will deliver speeches centered on the international community’s commitments to supporting refugees, host countries, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) programs.

The Iranian official is scheduled to deliver a speech during the main session, he is also planning to hold separate meetings with Flippo Grandi, High Commissioner for Refugees, Raouf Mazo, Assistant Commissioner for Operational Affairs, Hai Kyung Jun, Regional Director for the Asia and Pacific of UNHCR, as well as other countries representatives on boosting collaborations.

National Organization for Migration, UNHCR discuss refuges

In September, the head of the National Organization for Migration, Abdollah Mobini, and Kyung Jun met to enhance cooperation and find solutions to the problems related to refugees.

Lauding Iran’s generous hosting of refugees, displaced individuals, and immigrants, Kyung Jun announced that the UNHCR is trying to expand its support to Iran in various ways by assigning resources to compensate for the budget deficit, IRNA reported.

Mobini, for his part, stressed the presence of several million displaced immigrants and foreign refugees in Iran, as well as the extensive and generous services provided to them despite the unfair sanctions and the dual policy of the West.

The official further highlighted the fair responsibility of the international community to support refugees and facilitate the conditions for their return to their home countries.

Iran’s support for refugees

Iran’s support for refugees is demonstrated through its inclusive policies, which encompass protection, assistance, education, and healthcare, inspiring the global community and positively impacting the lives of refugees.

As the second-largest refugee-hosting country, Iran is currently host to one of the largest and most protracted refugee populations in the world, the majority of whom are Afghan refugees.

The country is home to over 800,000 registered refugees and some 2.6 million undocumented Afghans.

Currently, more than 500,000 Afghan children - including undocumented Afghans and those who have newly arrived in Iran following the Taliban takeover - are benefitting from Iran’s inclusive education policies, one of the most progressive in the world.

In total, Iran hosts some 4.5 million Afghans of varying status – including resident permit holders, undocumented Afghans, and family passport holders – many of whom have been in the country for an extended period and require support to strengthen their resilience.

Iran’s generous and exceptional services for refugees despite unfair economic sanctions have exceeded expectations and international responsibilities.

The government of Iran has made a very generous effort to provide services to millions of refugees and foreign nationals despite difficult living conditions and oppressive economic sanctions imposed on the country.

MT/MG