TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 283

UNITED NATIONS

GENERAL

ASSEMBLY

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROGRAMME

Thirty-seventh session

A

Distr. GENERAL

A/AC.96/677 (Part VI)/Add.1

24 September 1986

Original:

ENGLISH

RECEIVED IN HOCHSTRY

2 7 OCT 1986

FICER

REGISTRY

jo

Action Taken

UNHCR ACTIVITIES FINANCED BY VOLUNTARY FUNDS: REPORT FOR 1985-86 AND PROPOSED PROGRAMMES AND BUDGET FOR 1987

Part VI. South-West Asia, Middle East and North Africa

Addendum

6.4 ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

Introduction

6.4.1 In paragraphs 6.4.8 and 6.4.10 of document A/AC.96/677(Part VI), the Executive Committee was informed of the feasibility studies and discussions with the concerned Government authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the modalities and formulation of specific multisectoral local settlement assistance projects for Afghan refugees in the country.

6.4.2 During the month of July, the needs of Afghan refugees benefiting from assistance from the High Commissioner were assessed by a UNHCR technical mission in co-ordination with the authorities. The details and estimates described below reflect this assessment and are based on information currently available.

Refugee population and developments

6.4.3 According to Government assessments and estimates the overall refugee population in the Islamic Republic of Iran consists of 1.9 million Afghans and 400,000 refugees of other origin. The Afghan refugees continue to be dispersed over 12 provinces, although fifty percent are living in the border provinces of Khorasan and Sistan-Baluchistan. New arrivals are accommodated in quarantine and reception centres, where they are registered and undergo medical checks prior to local settlement. Others settle spontaneously and are entitled to seek and obtain employment.

Trends and achievements of recent assistance programmes

6.4.4 When large numbers of Afghan refugees started arriving in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, the Government responded by establishing a major asistance programme run by a specialised body, the Council for Afghan Refugees (CAR). As a result, new arrivals and refugees in need are provided

GE.86-02381