Japan and WFP join forces to support refugees in Iran

This contribution will be utilized to purchase essential wheat flour to support the most vulnerable refugees living in settlements in Iran. Wheat flour is a staple food and a vital source of energy, making it an essential part of the diet for many refugees. By providing wheat flour, WFP ensures that refugees have access to a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used to prepare bread. This support not only helps to meet their immediate food needs but also promotes food security and stability within refugee settlements. 

“We deeply appreciate the unwavering generosity and solidarity of the Government and people of Japan in supporting our operations in Iran,” said Maysaa Alghribawy, WFP Representative and Country Director in the Islamic Republic of Iran. “This vital contribution reflects Japan’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable refugees, and we are truly grateful for their partnership and trust in our work.”

WFP currently supports 33,000 Afghan and Iraqi refugees living in 20 settlements across the country with food, education, and livelihood assistance.

“Japan has been supporting Afghan refugees living in Iran for over 40 years and commends the Iranian government for its longstanding commitment to providing Afghan refugees the same level of healthcare and education as Iranian citizens,” said Tamaki Tsukada, the Japanese Ambassador to Iran. 

“At the same time, we recognise that the increasing number of Afghan refugees in Iran presents a significant challenge for the Iranian government. We hope this contribution will help alleviate the nutritional needs of Afghan refugees,” added Tsukada.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the world’s largest hosts of refugees, having provided essential support to 3.8 million refugees and refugee-like individuals over the past four decades. The country has offered displaced communities - primarily from Afghanistan and Iraq- access to health care, education, and livelihood opportunities, demonstrating a strong commitment to refugee welfare. 

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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