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Return convoy resumes from Iran to Iraq
18 May 2004 After a two-week break due to insecurity in southern Iraq, UNHCR has organised another return convoy from Iran's camps to Basra. However, it cannot confirm when the next convoy will be due to the uncertain situation on the ground. -
Afghan returns from Pakistan, Iran reach new milestones ahead of photo exhibition
7 May 2004 Continued repatriation movements from Iran and Pakistan, plus the return of Afghan displaced persons, bring the total number of Afghan returnees to more than 3.1 million in the last two years. UNHCR is opening a photo exhibition, "Return, Afghanistan", to offer a glimpse into their hopes and fears. -
Afghan refugees to resolve disputes before leaving Iran
5 May 2004 UNHCR and Iran's Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs have started the first Dispute Settlement Committee for Afghan refugees in Tehran. Six more will be set up across the country, helping Afghan refugees resolve disputes with landlords and employers in Iran before they can return home. -
Iranian, Afghan officials agree to boost refugee returns
29 Apr 2004 Iranian and Afghan officials meeting together with UNHCR in Kabul have agreed on measures to help increase the return of refugees from Iran. -
Lubbers to meet with Afghan President on returns from Iran and Pakistan
16 Apr 2004 High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers will hold a series of meetings with President Hamid Karzai and senior Afghan officials this weekend on a continuing repatriation programme that is expected to bring home close to a million Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan this year. -
Lubbers discusses repatriation with Iranian government and Afghan refugees
14 Apr 2004 UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers met with the Iranian Vice-President on the second day of talks with the Iranian government about the repatriation of Afghan refugees. He also held illuminating discussions with Afghan refugee leaders living in Iran. -
High Commissioner arrives in Tehran on first stop of three-nation mission
13 Apr 2004 High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers arrives in Tehran at the start of a three-nation mission on his continued search for solutions for displaced Afghans. Despite massive returns to Afghanistan, large numbers of Afghan refugees remain in Iran and Pakistan. -
Iran's largest refugee camp closes
9 Feb 2004 The Iranian government and the UN refugee agency have closed Ashrafi Esfahini, once Iran's largest refugee camp with 12,000 Iraqis. Ambassador Jean-Marc Boulgaris, chairman of UNHCR's Executive Committee, saw off the last convoy of 205 Iraqis from the camp, heading for their homes in Iraq. -
Afghans campaign in Iran to promote refugee returns to central Afghanistan
30 Jan 2004 A delegation from Afghanistan's central province of Bamyan has begun a campaign in Iran to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees to Bamyan, saying the region known for its rich cultural heritage is one of the nation's safest places.