The UN World Food Programme in Iran has welcomed a one million pound donation from the United Kingdom to help vulnerable refugees in Iran, Rome-headquartered WFP said in a statement on Monday.
The UK's first-ever contribution for Afghan refugees in Iran is being channelled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and will allow WFP to offer Afghan refugees ready meals and other essential food rations when they arrive in Iran, WFP said.
The UK aid will take the form of cash and direct food assistance, according to WFP.
WFP will also be able to channel part of the UK contribution towards supporting 31,000 refugees who have already been living in 20 settlements across Iran, helping ensure the refugees have steady access to sufficient food and can stay put.
“We’re extremely grateful to the FCDO for this generous contribution and its support to our operations in Iran,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Iran, Negar Gerami.
“The harsh winter months, job losses, lack of cash and soaring prices have pushed the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan to new highs, with close to 23 million threatened by food insecurity. It is critical that WFP remains prepared to respond to any sudden onset refugee emergency.”
The recent Taliban takeover in Afghanistan may spur further population movements, causing families to flee within the country and also to take refuge in neighbouring countries, WFP warned.
Iran is hosting one of the largest and most protracted urban refugee situations in the world and has given asylum to refugees for over four decades, the statement noted.
