UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
GENEVA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is joining the UN Secretary-General and other leaders in appealing for an urgent de-escalation in the dangerously spiralling conflict between Israel and Iran. The intensity of the attacks is already triggering population movements in both countries.
Movements have been reported from Tehran and other parts of Iran, with some choosing to cross into neighbouring countries. Equally, shelling has caused people in Israel to seek shelter elsewhere in the country and in some cases abroad.
UNHCR urges states in the region to respect the right of people to seek safety where needed and to facilitate humanitarian access to those affected. The agency joins other UN partners in calling for civilians and civilian infrastructure in both Israel and Iran to be spared.
“This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss, and displacement – we cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said. “The time to de-escalate is right now. Once people are forced to flee, there’s no quick way back – and all too often, the consequences last for generations.”
Every day that the conflict escalates further could trigger additional humanitarian needs in a region already hosting millions of refugees and internally displaced people.
As highlighted in our Global Trends 2024 Report last week, Iran is the largest refugee-hosting country in the world with some 3.5 million refugees, mainly from Afghanistan. If the conflict persists, existing refugee populations would also face renewed uncertainty and yet more hardship.
UNHCR is present in Iran, Israel and many neighbouring countries, and is arranging emergency humanitarian relief supplies in different locations, readying a response in case needed.
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