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.

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 G²LM|LIC and STEG programmes are excited to announce a joint call for research proposals, inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs). This initiative seeks to deepen our understanding of the evolving nature of work and women’s roles in these transformations, with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects with a focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, or Nigeria will be prioritised. Read more here: https://g2lm-lic.iza.org/

Displaced Livelihoods Initiative: The IPA and J-PAL Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilots, exploratory studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and scaling work to inform policies and programs on sustainable livelihoods for displaced populations and host communities. Funding for DLI comes from the IKEA Foundation. DLI's fourth Call for Proposals is now open. Full proposals are due January 17, 2025, learn more here: https://poverty-action.org/displaced-livelihoods-initiative

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 Government of Zambia begin the second phase of refugee repatriation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo LUSAKA, ZAMBIA - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in collaboration with the Zambian government and partners, organized the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees living in northern Zambia to their homes in Pweto in the Haut Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On Friday, November 15, 2024, a convoy carrying 169 Congolese refugees (60 families) departed from Mantapala settlement in Nchelenge District, Luapula province, heading to Pweto in the DRC.

The first consultative workshop for the MAKATET (ማካተት) Roadmap was held from November 14 to 15, 2024, organized by the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) in collaboration with UNHCR and GIZ. The event brought together a diverse group of refugee representatives from various camps and sites. The Makatet Roadmap is an essential initiative aimed at implementing the Ethiopian government’s policy commitments made in 2016, 2019, and 2023. Its primary goal is to promote sustainable progress in enhancing the socio-economic inclusion of refugees in the country. However, the successful realization of this roadmap relies heavily on financial and technical support from the international community, including donors and other key stakeholders involved in refugee operations. read more here: https://x.com/UNHCREthiopia/status/1859509422659092799

Ethiopia's Bold Move Grants Refugees the Right to Work - The New Directive represents the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration to operationalize the government’s policy as articulated in its new Refugees Proclamation. It provides the operational details for refugees to access formal employment, establish their own businesses, benefit from development projects, and contribute to the local economy. It unlocks the last frontier in achieving comprehensive economic inclusion for refugees in Ethiopia. Read more here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2024/11/07/ethiopia-grants-refugees-the-right-to-work

The Re:BUiLD Research & Policy Symposium, From Evidence to Policy: Transforming Refugee Livelihoods Strategies in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, was held October 15-16 in Nairobi to share valuable insights into the critical areas of access to finance, social protection, jobs and skills development, justice, and legal identity. The symposium set a strong foundation for shaping policies that positively impact refugee communities. Watch the recordings: https://rebuild.rescue.org/research-symposium#from-evidence-to-policy

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.