Tehran – The World Food Program (WFP) published a report in July, explaining its activities in Iran.
In July, WFP Food Aid reached 33,269 beneficiaries, including refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Iranian teachers. Refugees are supported by a food basket of staple foods containing fortified flour (12 kg per person) and vegetable oil (810 ml per person per month).
Under cash-based remittances, following the revision of WFP’s Minimum Expense Basket (MEB) in November 2024, the Centre for Alien and Foreign Immigration Affairs (CAFIA) confirmed the adjustments to cash transfer value starting in January.
In July, WFP continued to provide increased cash transfers to better support essential cost of living. The transfer is an IRR of 5 million (US$7.2) for a male-led household and a US$6 million (US$8.6) for a female-led household.
In response to the recent development of escalations and the potential impact on refugee livelihoods, WFP has provided exceptional additional cash transfers equivalent to July eligibility to all beneficiaries living in the settlement. The measures were taken to protect food security and temporarily increase the purchasing power of refugees facing declines in revenues during this difficult period.
WFP Iran’s school-based programs, including school feeding and educational incentives, have been temporarily suspended due to summer holidays and will resume with the start of a new academic year in October.
By July, WFP Iran helped ease the financial burden associated with the gluten-free dietary needs of 52 refugee celiac patients from WFP beneficiaries by providing USD 9.7 million (USD 14.13) per person as a replacement for the regular food supply.
WFP supported 388 disability refugees across 10 settlements in July, each receiving monthly cash assistance of US$3 million (USD4.3) in addition to regular aid. In July, support covered the provinces of Karman, Lorestan, Western Azerbaijan, Fahz, Huzestan, Markazi, Krosan Razabi and Semnan to two refugee settlements.
In July, to increase the economic resilience and self-sufficiency of 300 refugees (42% of women), WFP continued to support its 24 income-generating initiative across 18 settlements. Activities include welding, tailoring, baking, and agriculture.
In July, WFP went on to procurement processes for bakery equipment aimed at the Carman settlement, with an estimated value of USD 30,000.
Over the past six months, over a million undocumented Afghans have returned from Iran to Afghanistan. In contrast, approximately 35,000 registered refugees in designated settlements remain primarily protected from immediate returns. Supported by the WFP, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other agencies, these communities are regularly supported and are closely coordinated with humanitarian actors. However, as they rely heavily on external support for food, healthcare and education, sustainable aid is essential for stability.
In 2024, WFP provided a combination of in-kind and cash assistance to address the food needs of Iran’s more than 33,000 vulnerable refugees. As a result, 70% were able to consume food at acceptable levels. This remains almost stable compared to the previous year.
Since August, WFP has increased the value of cash transfer eligibility by 25% and has actively supported refugees to alleviate the immediate economic challenges reported by refugees.
The WFP has maintained its presence in Iran since 1987, focusing primarily on addressing the food security needs of refugees from Afghanistan. Iran has hosted refugees for over 40 years. Most refugees live in urban, urban and rural areas, often integrated with host communities, along with people in refugee-like circumstances. However, the most vulnerable refugees living in 20 settlements in 13 states face a volatile food security situation that requires ongoing humanitarian assistance from the WFP.
WFP provided eligible refugees living in their residences with food assistance, education support and livelihood opportunities through physical food distribution, unconditional cash transfers and capacity building initiatives.
Given the economic situation in Iran in recent years, Afghan refugees face many challenges, particularly among the people of the settlement, including a decline in income opportunities and a decline in purchasing power that have affected food security and well-being. In response, WFP coordinated the Provisional National Strategic Plan (ICSP 2023-2027) by changing cash qualifications and food, adjusting the number of beneficiaries, extending the ICSP for two years and extending the UN Sustainable Development Framework for two years, and ensuring the support of UNSDF 2023-2027, as needed.
The WFP carried out activities under the ICSP to maintain support for these refugees and address the increased humanitarian needs of these refugees. Living in 20 villages in 13 Iranian provinces, there are around 35,000 most vulnerable documented refugees who benefit from the food aid provided by WFP.
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