UNHCR welcomes the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s recent move to formalize access to banking services – including debit cards, for Afghan refugees in the country. Now, all refugees will have a more secure means of managing their finances. Banking services will also facilitate emergency cash assistance to refugees in Iran. Since the start of COVID-19, UNHCR has helped vulnerable refugees cope with the economic impact of the pandemic by providing them with cash assistance via electronic vouchers. Financial inclusion can contribute to refugees’ resilience, empowering them to meet their needs in a safe, sustainable and dignified manner, and helping them avoid negative coping mechanisms.

As COVID-19 lingers in Iran, UNHCR is grateful for the timely donation of 1,000,000 face masks by the Republic of Korea, which will help protect health personnel and patients at hospitals and health facilities in refugee-hosting areas. The Republic of Korea is one of the biggest donors to UNHCR in support of Afghan refugees. From 2018 to 2020, the Republic of Korea generously donated 6 million USD to UNHCR towards “Protection and Humanitarian Assistance for Afghan Refugees in Iran”. UNHCR is grateful to the Republic of Korea for tangibly showing increased international responsibility- and burden-sharing, by supporting Iran which has hosted Afghan refugees for over 40.

On 30 June, UNHCR Iran in coordination with BAFIA held a virtual event to commemorate World Refugee Day 2021. Despite some coordination challenges with our counterparts, the event was well attended by some 130 participants including UN and I/NGO partners, diplomatic missions, governmental partners (e.g. MOH and MOE) and a number of refugees. In their remarks, representatives from UNHCR, BAFIA, government miniseries and INGO/NGOs reiterated their support for refugees in Iran, while acknowledging the ongoing and upcoming challenges both in Iran and Afghanistan.