Japan and UNHCR sign a USD 3.3 million agreement in support of Afghan refugees living in Iran

Tehran, 26 February 2024 – The government of Japan and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency have signed a partnership agreement worth USD 3.3 million [JPY 492 million] to improve access of Afghan refugees and host communities to quality education and health care services.

This contribution builds on a long term collaboration between the Government of Japan and UNHCR Iran, mainly in the areas of health, education and livelihood. This has helped in delivering essential services, promote inclusion and empower displaced Afghans struggling to rebuild their lives in exile.

“We are profoundly grateful to the people of Japan for their long-standing generosity,” said Ms. Yumiko Takashima, UNHCR Representative in Iran. “This critical funding is a testament of their global leadership on refugee issues and matches 2023 Global Refugee Forum’s spirit, where Japan’s government and civil society just renewed their pledges.”

The three-year project includes construction of new schools which will serve refugee and host community children alike. This will enhance quality primary and secondary, helping to nurture youth’s talents and ambitions for the future, in line with the Iranian government’s inclusive education policy allowing foreign nationals to enroll in public schools.

The Government of Japan contribution will also cover the health insurance costs for 21,700 vulnerable Afghan refugees, enabling them to access secondary and tertiary medical care.

“Refugees are an important global concern. Japan, as a responsible international actor, plays its role in alleviating the host community’s burden,” said H.E. TSUKADA Tamaki, Ambassador of Japan to Iran. “We believe the best outcome can be achieved through collaboration with international partners like UNHCR. With this grant we want to meet our responsibility sharing to support refugees and their host communities across Iran.”

For over 40 years, UNHCR has assisted the Government of Iran to host one of the world’s largest and most protracted refugee situations. Iran continues to set a progressive example through its inclusive national policies especially on health, education and social services accessible also by refugees.