TEHRAN – National Immigration Agency, Nadar Yar Ahmadi and Monica Oletzka Nielsen, interim AD representative for Iran at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen support for vulnerable Afghan and exempt children and women in the country.
In praise of UNICEF’s efforts, Yal Ahmadi said the signed MOU is an important step to improve living conditions and provide better opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Referring to concerns among refugee children, the official said, “We are doing our best to use the national resources to address their issues, but we may not be able to cover them all.”
Officials said to support women, UNICEF and the Home Office must do more as Afghan women with large families face many challenges in raising children.
The cooperation between the two parties is seeking to benefit not only from financial factors, but from UNICEF’s expertise, he added.
On her part, Oretzka Nielsen praised the measures taken by the National Migration Agency to meet the needs of refugees, saying that Iran has shown unprecedented solidarity with refugees over the past decades, as one of the largest refugee hosting countries.
She emphasized that MOU can promote the capabilities of two organizations in areas such as education, health promotion, child protection and emergency preparation, and can address the growing needs of children and their families.
She also expressed preparations for UNICEF to implement its commitment by providing technical support, implementing joint programs and promoting shared principles and goals.
Officials expressed their hope that cooperation would ensure that every child in Iran has the opportunity to live, thrive and realize their potential, regardless of where they were born.
Cooperatives on Refugees
In April, Yar-Ahmadi and Oledzka Nielsen discussed ways to enhance collaboration in various fields, including health, education, nutrition and natural disasters, to improve living conditions for refugees.
The two officials met in Tehran. In praise of Iran’s efforts, Nielsen has announced the preparations for UNICEF to work with the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighting the experience of many organizations providing education, health and nutrition services in countries such as India and Afghanistan.
Referring to the two-year work plan signed by both parties in December 2024, Nielsen said cooperation on refugees would be an important part of the signed MOU.
Officials have also announced a new UNICEF Supported Education Program for female students who have been deprived of schooling due to political and social issues. To promote access to education for this group of students, UNICEF is willing to increase cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, as is Iran’s educational institutions.
On his part, Yar-Ahmadi emphasized the importance of education for foreign students, especially Afghans, saying that around 700,000 Afghan students are studying in Iran. However, there is no adequate educational space in the country, and the support of international organizations is needed to improve education infrastructure.
Referring to illegal (foreign) students in the country, authorities said the Ministry of Home Affairs is developing an educational online platform to promote education. Additionally, those returning to their homeland can benefit from virtual education platforms. Authorities also emphasized that the Ministry of Education will work with the private sector to issue permits to provide schools to these refugee students.
During the meeting, authorities also discussed ways to reduce the impact of natural disasters in areas where hazards are prone to occur.
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