Signing on Grant Assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran: Project for Improving Access to Quality Education and Health Care Services for Afghan Refugees and Host Communities
令和6年2月26日
On February 26, in Tehran, the Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Tamaki TSUKADA, and Ms. Yumiko ISHIKAWA TAKASHIMA, UNHCR's Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, signed and exchanged documents regarding the Grant Assistance of 492 million yen, " Project for Improving Access to Quality Education and Health Care Services for Afghan Refugees and Host Communities".
1 Iran has been trying to make its society more inclusive by accepting a large number of Afghan refugees and providing education and healthcare services to them for more than 40 years. Since the social and economic turmoil caused by the change in the situation in Afghanistan in August 2021, the number of Afghan refugees has been increasing, with an estimated 4.5 million or more currently residing in Iran. As a result, the shortage of school buildings and health care service in host communities where many refugees reside have become pressing concerns.
2 This cooperation aims to improve access to education and healthcare services for Afghan refugees and host communities in the Islamic Republic of Iran by constructing three public schools, subsidizing the health insurance (UPHI) provided by the Iranian government for refugees, and providing training for Afghan women health workers and other professionals, which will contribute to inclusive Iranian society.
3 At the 2nd Global Refugee Forum (GRF) held in Geneva, Switzerland, in December 2023, Japan stressed the need for a more forward-looking, medium- to long-term approach in addition to short-term humanitarian assistance, and the need to promote the "Humanity-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP Nexus)" in dealing with refugees and displaced persons. This cooperation will embody these statements.
1 Iran has been trying to make its society more inclusive by accepting a large number of Afghan refugees and providing education and healthcare services to them for more than 40 years. Since the social and economic turmoil caused by the change in the situation in Afghanistan in August 2021, the number of Afghan refugees has been increasing, with an estimated 4.5 million or more currently residing in Iran. As a result, the shortage of school buildings and health care service in host communities where many refugees reside have become pressing concerns.
2 This cooperation aims to improve access to education and healthcare services for Afghan refugees and host communities in the Islamic Republic of Iran by constructing three public schools, subsidizing the health insurance (UPHI) provided by the Iranian government for refugees, and providing training for Afghan women health workers and other professionals, which will contribute to inclusive Iranian society.
3 At the 2nd Global Refugee Forum (GRF) held in Geneva, Switzerland, in December 2023, Japan stressed the need for a more forward-looking, medium- to long-term approach in addition to short-term humanitarian assistance, and the need to promote the "Humanity-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP Nexus)" in dealing with refugees and displaced persons. This cooperation will embody these statements.