Iran’s National Organization for Migration and Italy’s CESVI are exploring enhanced cooperative projects to support refugees through humanitarian efforts. Discussions focused on agricultural initiatives and the challenges faced by Iran in hosting a large number of refugees amidst limited international support. Yar-Ahmadi warned of potential revisions to refugee policies if international responsibility is not shared, highlighting the pressing need for collaborative aid.
On February 16, Nader Yar-Ahmadi, the head of Iran’s National Organization for Migration, and Marcelo García Dalla Costa of the Italian humanitarian organization CESVI convened to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration. The discussion centered on formulating and executing joint projects that adopt a humanitarian perspective to support Iran’s role as a host nation for refugees, as reported by ILNA.
Dalla Costa recognized Iran’s substantial contributions to humanitarian efforts, particularly regarding its refugee population despite limited international assistance. He highlighted initiatives aimed at agricultural development that will not only produce food but also generate income and livelihood support for foreign nationals in Iran and Afghans in their homeland.
Furthermore, Dalla Costa mentioned his discussions with the Italian ambassador in Iran, where funding was agreed upon to assist CESVI’s efforts in supporting refugees and immigrants residing in Iran. Yar-Ahmadi elaborated on the National Organization for Migration’s endeavors to accommodate Afghan refugees and other displaced individuals, acknowledging existing challenges in their integration and support.
Yar-Ahmadi underscored the critical need for cooperation in the agricultural sector, committing to assembling a specialized team of experts. He expressed hope for executing joint humanitarian projects that will benefit both refugees and the Iranian populace.
In a separate context, Yar-Ahmadi warned that Iran may reconsider its immigration policies if the international community fails to engage responsibly in sharing the refugee burden. Speaking at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ annual session, held from October 14 to 19 in Geneva, he pointed out the financial straits exacerbated by the influx of foreign nationals without corresponding international support.
He emphasized that less than one percent of refugee-related costs have been covered, making it implausible for Iran to continue hosting increased numbers of refugees. The focus, therefore, is on resettling particularly vulnerable refugees in third countries. Yar-Ahmadi remarked, “The priority of the country is to resettle vulnerable refugees in third countries.”
Moreover, he requested enhanced UNHCR assistance for educational facilities for Afghan students, stating a demand for 25,000 classrooms, but noting that only 21 schools have been constructed since 2021 with UNHCR support. He highlighted the need for more comprehensive assistance to address the educational challenges arising from the large influx of students.
The discussions between Iran’s National Organization for Migration and Italy’s CESVI highlighted a commitment to expanding cooperation to support refugees. Emphasizing the humanitarian approach, they explored joint initiatives in agriculture and acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by Iran in hosting a significant refugee population. Yar-Ahmadi’s warning regarding possible adjustments to immigration policies underscores the pressing need for greater international collaboration in refugee support. Furthermore, the call for enhanced educational assistance reiterates the urgent requirements of refugee-hosting nations.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
