UNHCR’s humanitarian supplies to support relief efforts in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province arrived in Khoy, which was hit by a deadly earthquake on 28 January. As part of a coordinated response with other United Nations agencies, UNHCR has sent core relief items – including 3,000 family tents, 1,500 plastic tarpaulin, 3,000 high thermal blankets, 3,000 sleeping mats, and 3000 family hygiene kits to the affected areas. Distribution of these items to the affected families is ongoing. According to the Government of Iran’s estimates, over 35,000 people have been affected – most of the damage reported in Khoy county. Iran has been a generous refugee hosting country for more than 40 years. In difficult times like these, we express solidarity with the people of Iran and we stand ready to continue supporting those in need of assistance.

UNHCR handed over essential medical equipment and medicines worth USD 10 million to the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), in partnership with and the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs (BAFIA), on 11 April 2023 in Tehran. The equipment including, ambulances, dialysis machines, CT scanners, X-Ray machines, ventilators, mobile health post and laboratory, rapid testing kits for malaria, COVID-19, Cholera, Hepatitis, and other communicable diseases, as well as many other essential medical items, will be delivered to some public hospitals and health posts in 27 provinces across the country in refugee hosting areas and refugee settlements.

UNHCR Iran marked World Refugee Day with a series of events celebrating refugees’ resilience and courage and the country’s commendable inclusive policies towards refugees. With over 3.4 million refugees and refugee-like populations, Iran has become the second-largest refugee-hosting country globally this year. Throughout Iran, a range of events were organized to commemorate this year’s World Refugee Day, under the theme “Hope Away from Home.” These events emphasized the importance of solutions, inclusion, and compassion towards those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. UNHCR Representative a.i., Ms. Inna Gladkova, in her Refugee Day message, paid tribute to the courage and remarkable resilience of refugees and commended Iran for its inclusive refugee policies, particularly in the sectors of education and health.

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.

UNHCR delivered essential medical equipment to Iran’s Ministry of Health as part of a $30 million initiative supporting refugee-inclusive healthcare. The supplies—microscopes, rapid test kits, foggers, generators, and medicines—will benefit clinics nationwide, especially in border provinces. The Deputy Representative in 2024, Inna Gladkova, praised Iran’s inclusive health policies, noting the importance of continued international support. This donation strengthens Iran’s response to communicable diseases like malaria and hepatitis, benefiting both refugees and host communities. UNHCR thanked Japan for its vital support and urged the global community to help sustain healthcare access for millions of displaced and refugee-like populations in Iran.

Over 50,000 refugees and thousands of Iranians in 11 settlements and four refugee-populated neighborhoods in Iran are benefiting from the installation of 3,601 solar-powered streetlights. Implemented by UNHCR in partnership with the National Organization for Migration, the project has significantly enhanced nighttime safety, particularly for women and children. The initiative also boosts community life and local businesses by extending activity hours after sunset. "Our children can now play at night," shared Zahra Khavari, an Afghan refugee. The lights reduce 152.5 tons of CO₂ annually and are part of UNHCR’s Strategic Plan for Climate Action. Refugees participated in the installation, fostering ownership and local engagement. The project underscores Iran and UNHCR’s long-standing commitment to sustainable refugee support and environmental responsibility.

A new contribution of USD 500,000 from the Government and the People of Japan enhances access to essential primary healthcare for Afghan refugees and their host communities in Iran. Through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, UNHCR aims to support health posts across 27 refugee-hosting provinces with vital medicines, medical equipment, and personnel costs. This initiative will ensure the continued provision of free, quality health services, particularly benefiting women and girls who make up 60% of the beneficiaries. Over 3.2 million health consultations are expected during the 10-month period. The initiative demonstrates Japan’s continuous, strong commitment to refugee protection and shared international responsibility, helping Iran maintain its long-standing inclusive approach despite economic challenges.

UNHCR and the European Union have signed a new agreement to continue to support displaced Afghans and host communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and countries in Central Asia. With substantial EU funding of EUR 36 million, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) will benefit from essential protection, access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and other basic services from 2025 to 2027.

The updated Education Brief presents a critical analysis of the education needs of Afghan refugees and host communities in Iran, emphasizing the need for greater international support. With millions of forcibly displaced persons in Iran, including many Afghan children, the country’s national education system is under significant strain. Overcrowded classrooms and limited school infrastructure have led to reduced enrolment capacity, particularly affecting undocumented children and girls. This Brief outlines how Iran’s inclusive policies have provided educational opportunities aligned with international human rights standards, yet more assistance is needed. It calls on donors to scale up responsibility-sharing to avoid a lost generation. Anchored in the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) and the Global Refugee Forum commitments, the Brief also details a $119.3 million appeal by seven humanitarian organizations to improve education access, quality, and life-long learning pathways. By showcasing Iran as a viable alternative for continued education, especially for Afghan girls and youth, the Brief positions education as a catalyst for resilience, co-existence, and durable solutions. It highlights how investment in education contributes to well-being, economic empowerment, and the voluntary return of refugees, while strengthening community ties between Afghans and Iranians.