Tehran – The High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for Filippo Grandi praised the Ministry of Education’s efforts in supporting and providing services to foreign students.
“The main reason I visit Iran is to thank the valuable services of the country that are provided to refugees. I have spoken repeatedly about this issue at international forums, urging them to pursue Iran as a role model.”
Officials spoke at a meeting with Education Minister Alileza Kazemi on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Grandi presented a statement from Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution in 2015. Officials called it a valuable historical measure that surprised everyone, including rich countries.
On his part, Kazemi explained the state’s measures and challenges in supporting refugees.
Iran spends $100 million a year on providing services to foreigners, but UNHCR’s contributions have been less than 1% over the past two years
The presence of refugee students in the schools has overcrowded classes, which has resulted in an impact on the academic achievements of Iranian students, officials added.
Referring to the lack of educational space and the huge financial burden of providing it, Kazemi said it is socially and economically expensive. People expect these spending to be spent on Iranians, which is logical demand.
The Minister of Education continued to emphasize the economic and social challenges posed by foreigners. Due to economic issues, Afghan refugees say they help children generate income, leading to serious social impacts within the country.
“Despite all these issues, Iran has never reduced the services offered to refugees. The country continues to provide the best services to legally permitted refugee students, making sure none of them are deprived of their education,” Kazemi pointed out.
Now that Afghanistan has achieved stability, he said, the Afghan people can return with dignity and serve their homeland.
Even as refugees (deported) continue to continue their education and learning, Iran is ready to use local education platforms to educate all Afghan students within the framework of a tripartite cooperation agreement, and to provide valid educational certificates under the virtual school laws approved by the Education Council.
Grandi praised the proposal and expressed support for the UNHCR program, calling it a valuable measure for the younger generation.
“I recognize low contributions and acknowledge that more funds need to be allocated to your services, but due to the current situation and sanctions, that is not possible. We are not rich partners, but we are pleased to remain your partner,” the official said.
According to Isna, Kabul’s Iranian ambassador Alireza Bigdeli and Afghanistan’s representative education minister Habibra Aksa met on Thursday to discuss the possibility of fostering education, vocational education and training cooperation.
Minister of the Interior, representatives of UNHCR, discuss issues relating to Afghan refugees
On Tuesday, Grandi held a meeting with Home Minister Escandar Momeni to explore ways to address issues relating to the issue of Afghan refugees and deportation living in the country.
The conference focuses on holding a trilateral meeting between Iranian officials, Afghan officials and UNHCR representatives to increase financial support from international organizations, organize Afghan refugees and prevent drug trafficking, according to the Home Ministry’s website.
During the meeting, Grandi praised Iran’s generosity in hosting refugees over the past 40 years. “I personally know the burdens the country and Iranian people are experiencing. Unfortunately, international support for Iran has declined significantly in recent years. However, Iran gradually reverts (illegal) immigration and asks not to put pressure on Afghanistan because of economic and social issues.”
He also shared insights from his recent visit to Kabul, where he discussed refugee issues and voluntary benefits with officials in Afghanistan.
Officials hoped Iran would continue its humanitarian approach with the contribution of the international community.
On his part, Momeni states: “Unjust refugees are returned to their homeland without being questioned anywhere in the world. However, in Iran, their return will not be violently deported if life in Afghanistan is threatened or if they need to stay here for treatment.
The governor of Afghanistan has seen first hand how deported people were treated with respect. ”
Officials went on to say that around three to four legal Afghans work and live in a country that is respected by Iranians. Their children attend the same school as the Iranians and work in Iranian workshops, he added.
Nadar Yar Ahmadi, head of the National Immigration Agency, said Iran has been hosting Afghan refugees for more than 40 years and will continue to do so in a different way. Only documented refugees can benefit from domestic services.
“Grandi confessed that international financial support is nothing compared to the country’s extremely expensive measures, and we hope that the international community will strengthen its support,” Yar-Ahmadi emphasized.
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