NEW YORK — Ayaki Ito, Director of the Division of Emergency, Security and Supply at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Regional Refugee Response Coordinator for the Middle East Emergency, has revealed that preliminary estimates indicate between 600,000 and one million Iranian families—amounting to approximately 3.2 million individuals—have been temporarily displaced within Iran as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict. The majority are evacuating Tehran and other major urban centers, seeking refuge in northern Iran and rural areas perceived as safer havens.
According to the official UNHCR website, the UN official further emphasized that refugee populations residing in Iran, predominantly Afghans, are bearing the brunt of the crisis due to their pre-existing vulnerability and constrained support networks. These families are fleeing affected regions amidst escalating insecurity and dwindling access to essential services.
It is noted that UNHCR is urgently recalibrating its response to address the surging humanitarian needs, collaborating closely with national authorities and partners to assess emerging requirements and bolster preparedness as population displacement accelerates. The agency is leveraging its longstanding operational presence in Iran, including established reception areas, helplines, and continuous support services, to mount an effective response.
(Source: ONA)
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