Tehran, 21 January 2013– Host to the second largest refugee population in the world, the Islamic Republic of Iran holds some 890,000 registered Afghan and Iraqi refugees. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently received close to 400,000 US Dollars as a donation from the Government of France contributing towards health, education and vocational trainings of Afghan refugees.

Whilst appreciating the continuous effort & commitment of Governments regarding humanitarian affairs at a time of global economic turmoil, Bernard Doyle, UNHCR Iran Representative said: “UNHCR greatly appreciates the generous contribution of the French Government, for the second year in a row since 2011, which will aid us in providing better support & protection for refugees. “

This donation will go towards affordable medical consultation fees and treatment, community based health programmes, life-saving medical assistance and access to health insurance; a matter of critical importance for refugees at such times of difficult deteriorating economic conditions. This year the area of contribution has been expanded to education as well. This will allow near 290,000 refugee students enjoy unhindered access to primary and post primary education whilst also providing literacy classes for adult students. Additional projects to be covered by this donation are technical and vocational skills trainings for refugees, a matter of key importance in sustainable return to their home country.

–End