120,000 refugees assisted to access Iran’s health insurance scheme
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect refugees and host communities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is ensuring that another 20,000 refugees can access the country’s national health insurance scheme, taking the numbers assisted...
Alphonso Davies becomes the first footballer to take UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador title
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today announced the appointment of Alphonso Davies, FC Bayern Munich’s left-back and player for Canada Men’s National Football Team, as its newest Global Goodwill Ambassador. Accepting his new role as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Davies...
Japan donates more than USD 1 million to support Afghan refugees in Iran
Tehran, Iran – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the generous contribution of USD 1,250,000 from the Government of Japan. This new funding will be crucial in enabling UNHCR to enhance its support of refugees over the course of 2021, in coordination with UNHCR’s...
Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI) – Start of 7th cycle
Joint announcement by the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs (BAFIA), the Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) and the UN Refugee Agency, (UNHCR): The 7th cycle of Universal Public Health insurance (UPHI) has started. As per previous cycles,...
Announcement on resettlement
Resettlement can be a life-changing durable solution for refugees who are at risk, and it is understandable that refugees would like to know more about the resettlement process. To counter the spread of misinformation and ensure refugees are provided with the correct...
Refugee tailors ramp up mask production, as COVID-19 lingers in Iran
Roya sets the white fabric under the needle and presses the pedal of her sewing machine, adding finishing touches on the face mask she is making. Around her, rows and rows of other refugees are also churning out masks – much sought-after protection made...
UNHCR at 70: proud of our work but we cannot celebrate just yet
On 14 December, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will be 70 years old. For an organization that should have ceased to exist after three years, it is an uncomfortable birthday that we are not in the mood to celebrate. As a shattered world...
Forced displacement passes 80 million by mid-2020 as COVID-19 tests refugee protection globally
While a full picture for 2020 is yet to be established, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, estimates that global forced displacement surpassed 80 million at mid-year, according to a report on trends in global forced displacement released today in Geneva. At the beginning...
UN High Commissioner for Refugees warns of grave consequences if world looks away from Afghanistan, reiterates importance of finding solutions to Afghan displacement
At the conclusion of a five-day visit to Afghanistan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has urged the international community to remain committed to the country at this critical juncture, and called for greater support for Afghan refugees,...