Japan’s contribution supports Afghan refugees in Iran

The Government of Japan continues supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, through its Supplementary Budget, and Partnership Grant Aid amounting to over USD 4 million, which helps Afghan refugees access health care in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This generous funding will allow UNHCR to enhance access to quality education and healthcare services for Afghan refugees through Iran’s national educational and healthcare systems. Japan has been a leading supporter of UNHCR’s activities in the country for over a decade, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare for refugees. This new funding reaffirms Japan’s continued commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable health services for the most vulnerable Afghan refugees in Iran. It will also support the construction of public schools benefitting both Afghans and Iranians alike. Building on its long-standing partnership, Japan also had provided critical support of USD 1.2 million to UNHCR’s programmes for Afghan refugees in Iran last year, which helped strengthen the national health care system and services for refugees.

“We are profoundly grateful to the people and Government of Japan for this vital support towards Afghan refugees in Iran,” said Yumiko Takashima, UNHCR Representative in Iran. “This contribution will help UNHCR maintain critical health interventions and preserve Iran’s inclusive policies that allow refugees to access national health services.”

H.E. Tamaki Tsukada, Ambassador of Japan to Iran, reiterated Japan’s commitment, saying, “As a responsible international actor, Japan prioritizes responsibility-sharing to ease the burden on host communities. Through partnerships like this with UNHCR, we aim to fulfill our global duties by supporting refugees and host communities across Iran.” 

Iran hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, with an estimated 3.8 million Afghan refugees and those in refugee-like situations who have access to national services under Iran’s inclusive policies.

This timely contribution from Japan will help UNHCR sustain critical health interventions for Afghan refugees in Iran amid increasing economic pressures on the host country. It builds on Japan’s long-standing collaboration with UNHCR in Iran, focused on delivering essential services.