RASC News Agency: During the World Refugee Forum convened in Geneva on Wednesday, December 13th, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, delivered a speech emphasizing the imperative of global solidarity and the mobilization of resources to support nations hosting refugees. He queried why only a handful of nations should shoulder the responsibility for the world’s refugee crisis, underscoring the need for collective action.
The minister acknowledged that temporary solutions are insufficient to address the refugee problem sustainably. He called upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the international community to intensify their efforts in facilitating and expediting the repatriation of refugees to their home countries, believing this approach would contribute to the long-term stability and resolution of the crisis.
Amir Abdollahian underscored Iran’s pivotal role as the world’s largest refugee-hosting country, grappling with the longest refugee crisis spanning over 45 years. He attributed this situation to the consequences of repeated illegal military interventions and foreign interference in the region, resulting in widespread instability, insecurity, and underdevelopment. The minister emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive solutions addressing the root causes of displacement to prevent further refugee influxes in the region.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has borne the burden imposed by recent regional developments. He highlighted the humanitarian bond between Iran and Afghanistani refugees, stating that the Iranian people generously share their limited resources with the large refugee population. Despite challenges, Iran has endeavored to provide basic living standards, healthcare, and education for refugees, guided by human-oriented national values and Islamic principles.
According to the minister, all school-age Afghanistani children have equal educational opportunities as their Iranian counterparts, with over 700,000 refugee children currently enrolled in public schools throughout the country. Additionally, Afghanistani adults who dropped out of school are offered courses and classes as part of a literacy promotion movement. Many Afghanistani individuals are pursuing higher education in Iranian universities and colleges, supported by government assistance and scholarships. Furthermore, the minister highlighted that tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghanistani refugees have healthcare insurance, receiving free medical services for special and incurable diseases. This reflects Iran’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and welfare of Afghanistani refugees within its borders.
Amir Abdollahian noted that Afghanistani refugees are provided with complimentary vaccinations for certain diseases, including COVID-19. However, he expressed concern over the unfair and impractical burden placed on a single country hosting the largest and longest refugee crisis. The principle of shared responsibility necessitates a more equitable distribution of the costs associated with hosting refugees among a greater number of nations, as the influx of Afghanistani refugees continues to strain Iran’s limited national resources. The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that this predicament poses an unprecedented challenge for their nation. The substantial number of refugees has placed immense pressure on public infrastructure in critical sectors such as healthcare, primary education, employment, energy, and water, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the country.
While acknowledging the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in assisting Afghanistani refugees in Iran, the foreign minister pointed out that the financial support provided by the UNHCR only covers a mere one percent of the costs incurred by the vast population of over five million refugees.
He emphasized the unparalleled sacrifice made by Iran in hosting the largest refugee population, underscoring the need for greater international support and recognition of their efforts.
