World Refugee Day 2003 National Activity Plan: Iran

With almost 2 million refugees, Iran is home to one of the largest refugee populations in the world, so World Refugee Day is an especially important occasion here.

UNHCR will be participating in several events across the country. At the Iranian-Afghan border crossing point of Dogharoun, there will be a drawing competition for refugee children. In Sistan-Baluchistan province, Afghan and Iranian musicians will perform at a joint concert of traditional folk music from both countries, while in Korasan province there will be football games in camps for Afghan refugees.

In Tehran, there will be an exhibition of Afghan arts and crafts, as well as a roundtable discussion with UNHCR Representative in Iran Philippe Lavanchy, government officials and representatives of the Afghan and Iraqi refugee communities. A series of short films focusing on Afghan refugees returning home will also be broadcast on national television.