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Iran

Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran hosts 3.8 million Afghan refugees and Afghans in refugee-like situation, shouldering a large share of the collective responsibility to protect them. The majority of Afghan refugees in Iran reside in urban and peri-urban areas.

Despite its own challenges and the needs of its own population, Iran has maintained its commitment to refugees and has pursued inclusive policies, notably in areas of education and health care. Iran allows refugee children to study side by side with Iranian children regardless of their status or gender. It also grants access to primary and secondary health care services, as well as tertiary health care through enrolment in universal public health insurance.

Photo: UNHCR
Photo: UNHCR

The Support Platform aims to galvanize international solidarity
and assistance for Iran, aligning with the objectives of the
Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This mechanism has 
facilitated the expression of 17 pledges in 2023 and 2024, 
supporting Afghan refugees in Iran. 

 

 

UNHCR and WFP help refugee children in Iran stay in school and reach for their dreams