Attachments
Key Highlights
Country Updates
Iran
- Escalating conflict across South-West Asia and the Middle East continues to affect communities and humanitarian operations across the region, with over 734,700 forcibly displaced and some 70,700 Syrian and 27,400 Afghan returns. Increased cross-border movements have been observed from Lebanon into Syria, while Afghan returns from Iran continue alongside new security and economic pressures. Humanitarian access and operating conditions remain challenging in several locations.
- The regions already host 25 million forcibly displaced people and returnees who face significant protection risks and humanitarian needs, alongside host communities. UNHCR operations have adjusted modalities to ensure staff safety while continuing to deliver critical activities such as border monitoring, protection services and emergency preparedness.
- Emergency stockpiles, although limited, are ready for rapid deployment. UNHCR maintains close coordination with national authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to ensure preparedness planning that can be adapted as the situation unfolds and an effective response.
- Reception areas remain open across all UNHCR locations, with limited in-person attendance due to the current security environment. Those able to approach UNHCR offices are increasingly requesting financial assistance to meet basic needs. UNHCR is also providing remote support through a helpline handling a high volume of requests and sharing information on available assistance. From 1 to 8 March, UNHCR received over 7,500 calls, reflecting growing needs and demand for information and support.
- Afghan refugees report restricted movement, heightened security presence in urban areas, sharply rising food prices and loss of livelihoods, alongside growing psychosocial distress and increased gender-based violence-related concerns. Recent approaches illustrate these pressures. In Kerman, a 21-year-old Afghan woman living with her mother and three younger brothers, sought assistance for her family after her father’s death forced her to leave school and collect recyclable materials to support the household. With limited income and growing responsibilities, she struggles to meet basic needs while caring for siblings affected by anxiety and disrupted schooling. The worsening situation has further reduced her already fragile income, reflecting the increasing strain on vulnerable refugee households.