International conference: role of social protection in contexts of fragility and forced displacement

An International Conference on the ‘Role of Social Protection in Contexts of Fragility and Forced Displacement’ was organized by the European Commission (ECHO) together with key partner UN agencies and governments to which the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran was invited to participate.

The Government of Iran contributed to the discussion through a presentation on the inclusion of refugees in its national health insurance scheme, which sets global precedence and a strong example of inclusion of refugees in national social protection systems.

Taking the opportunity of Iran delegation’s presence in Brussels for the Conference, ECHO and UNHCR arranged a number of additional meetings to which BAFIA Deputy DG and UNHCR Iran Representative participated:

• Iran’s specific side event which was attended by a number of EU and non-EU member-states and BAFIA Deputy DG intervened by showcasing Iran’s progressive refugee policies. During this side event, DEVCO announced a new multi-year funding package for the Afghan situation out of which 25 million Euros is allocated to Iran – including through UNHCR. DEVCO is planning a mission to Iran within the near future to assess the needs and discuss the allocation of funds.
• A number of bilateral meetings with delegations and/or permanent missions of selected Member States. All meetings were very well received by the Member States, who appreciated the opportunity to gain further insight on the refugee initiatives taken by Iran, and complimented Iran for its progressive policies to include refugees in national education and health systemsFor