-
The 87th Standing Committee of the ExCom-UNHCR - Geneva, 14 June 2023
-
Statement
By
Mr. Mahdi Ali Abadi
Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office in Geneva
Before
The 87th Standing Committee of the ExCom-UNHCR
Geneva, 14 June 2023
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Thank you, Madam Chair.
My delegation aligns itself with the statement of the OIC delivered by distinguished representative of Pakistan.
At the outset let me appreciate the invaluable protection work that UNHCR continues to undertake around the world and thanks secretariat for updating us on the state of play.
Iran has been a major host country for nearly half a century. During this ongoing period, Iran has made significant efforts to provide adequate means of livelihood, free and inclusive education, especially for primary students, health services including Universal Public Health Insurance, among others.
The humanitarian situation in our region has been aggravated by the political turmoil in Afghanistan following the prolonged occupation and thoughtless withdrawal from the country. A large number of Afghan displaced persons have irregularly sought refuge in Iran. Iran has extended its inclusive policies to Afghan nationals in terms of education, health, and basic services. According to the latest headcount exercise, Iran is actively hosting 3.4 million refugees and other individuals on the move. Additionally, 2.6 million Afghans have obtained temporary documentation after the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan. This situation makes Iran the second largest host country in the world.
In an effort to alleviate the plight faced by the Afghan population following the implementation of stringent regulations by the Taliban, which impose a ban on female students pursuing higher education, Iranian universities have shown willingness to accommodate and enroll a substantial number of Afghan girls. For instance, Tehran University has taken a commendable step by increasing its budget at least fivefold for scholarships specifically designated for Afghan female students.
Chairperson,
The continuous inflow of people in my country is imposing an additional burden on existing services and resources, such as infrastructure, education, health, and access to water, overstretching the capacities of the national and local systems. The influx of migrants has also affected the socio-economic capacity of the hosting communities, including job opportunities, the labor market, and the business atmosphere.
Simultaneously, unilateral sanctions have worsened the situation, affecting not only Iran's capacity to protect refugees but also the effectiveness of international humanitarian organizations in supporting host countries. Therefore, we expect the High Commissioner, in his note on international protection, to report the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the capacity of targeted states to protect refugees and their host communities, as well as on the discharge of its humanitarian mandate in easing pressure on host countries to provide necessary protection to refugees.
Furthermore, as a state hosting one of the most protracted refugee situations in the world, Iran is deeply concerned that new waves of displacement overshadow the existing chronic and protracted ones.
Chairperson,
Regarding the reference to nonconsensual languages on sexual orientations in the Note on International Protection, Iran believes that introducing politically sensitive and controversial notions, concepts, and language by the Secretariat would undermine the work of this body. These concerns lack universal acceptance and consensus. Given the global mandate and activities of UNHCR, which should enjoy broad support from all Member States, we call on UNHCR to avoid promoting controversial and divisive concepts. Highlighting these sorts of notions, regardless of the established values of hosting communities, will hinder the process of local integration of refugees and undermines the whole-of-government and society approach in the humanitarian space.
In conclusion, let me express our appreciation once again to UNHCR for all its efforts in fulfilling its responsibilities to alleviate the suffering of refugees.
I thank you.