Statement By H.E. Mr. Ali Bahreini Before The 116th Session of IOM Council

Geneva - 9 December 2025

Statement

  By

H.E. Mr. Ali Bahreini

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

 to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva

Before

The 116th Session of IOM Council

Item 8: General Debate

Geneva, 9 December 2025

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 بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

At the outset allow me to congratulate the newly elected Bureau of the Council. I also extend my appreciation to the outgoing Bureau for their valuable service.

 Chairperson,
Distinguished Delegates,

We thank DG Pope for the comprehensive vision she has presented to this Council.

Over the past year, wars and worsening instability across the globe have driven new waves of forced displacement. The ongoing Israeli occupation and aggression in Gaza and Lebanon continue to uproot civilian populations. The tragic conflict fueled by armed groups and their foreign suppliers in Sudan, and the continued fragility in Afghanistan are further aggravating the global displacement landscape. As long as occupation, aggression, insecurity, and destruction of livelihoods persist, forced migration will remain a painful reality for millions.

Chairperson,
For more than four decades, Iran has hosted millions of Afghan nationals, delivering essential services despite the burden of unlawful sanctions. As reflected in our national data systems, free education, health services, health insurance for the most vulnerable, support for women-headed households, and legal pathways have been provided based on humanitarian principles and social dignity.

Yet, despite our longstanding hospitality, Iranian host communities are under severe strain. In our border provinces, unemployment and pressure on basic services continue to rise, while international assistance covers less than a fraction of the real hosting costs. A large portion of existing aid remains focused on protection rather than supporting border management or return efforts — a trend that contributes to the accumulation of undocumented foreign nationals and weakens social resilience.

While Iran remains committed to its humanitarian responsibilities, no country can indefinitely sustain large-scale irregular migration. Having shown exceptional patience and absorbed immense costs for decades, Iran affirms that the return of undocumented foreign nationals is the sovereign right of every State. The real challenge lies in ensuring that conditions in Afghanistan allow for sustainable reintegration, through infrastructure recovery, employment creation, and essential services — areas where the international community must invest more concretely.

  Mr. Chair,

We take note with appreciation the Director-General’s focus on system-wide migration reform, digital identity solutions, and expanding voluntary return and safe mobility pathways, which are crucial to rebuilding global trust in migration management.

Iran stands ready to work closely with IOM and UNHCR to explore innovative approaches for protracted situations — approaches that respond to the real needs and concerns of host countries and make them feel they are not left alone in bearing this global burden.

In conclusion, Iran reiterates its commitment to constructive engagement, anchored in shared responsibility, respect for sovereignty, and balanced support for both migrants and host communities.

Thank you

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