UNHCR Iran Newsletter Special Edition for World Refugee Day Newsletter N°

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Tehran, Iran UNHCR Iran Newsletter Special Edition for World Refugee Day Newsletter N°. 2 AprilJuly 2006 **********BREAKING NEWS********** THE GOVERMENT OF JAPAN HAS GENEROUSLY DONATED USD$ 1 MILLION IN AN EARMARKED CONTRIBUTION FOR REFUGEES AND UNHCR OPERATIONS IN IRAN Embassies Visit Refugees, BAFIA and UNHCR in Mashhad Between 4 and 6 July, Representatives of Embassies along with represen tatives from Iranian MFA and BAFIA Central went on a field visit to assess UNHCR’s activities in Mashhad area. The twoday visit allowed the participants to meet with refugees and Iranian government officials to get a clearer picture of the situation and to assess the achievements and challenges of UNHCR’s voluntary

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© Australia, Denmark, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United Ambassador of the Republic of Italy H.E. Roberto Kingdom, followed a busy programme in order to see as much as possible during Toscano and Mrs Toscano at the Italian Residence where they wonderfully hosted UNHCR’s Majid Majidi the two days of visit. When the group arrived in Mashhad, welcoming them were movie night Please see Guest Editorial by Ambassador Toscano on page 4. Ali Jafari Nejad, Director General of BAFIA Khorassan Razavi Province and Ales Contents sandro Bolzoni, head of UNHCR’s Suboffice in Mashhad. The following morning started with a meeting the Deputy Governor Gen 2 Embassies Visit Refugees, eral for social affairs for Khorassan Razavi Province. Attending the meeting were BAFIA and UNHCR in Mashhad also Afghanistan’s Consular General in Mashhad and a representative of the Af ghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Returnees. The delegation was then taken 3 Majidi Movie Night in Pictures to visit Afghan refugee homes in suburbs of and around Mashhad. This provided a good opportunity to sit down with individual vulnerable refugees to listen to their 4 Guest Editorial by Ambassador Italian Ambassador Hosts H.E. Roberto Toscano Tripartite Commission Majidi Movie Night Meeting in Kabul 5 A 2006 UNHCR Nansen Award On the 8 th of July many representatives Goes to a Japanese Man with th The 10 meeting of the Tripartite of embassies, Iranian artists and Vision Commission between Afghanistan, UNHCR partners found their way to the Iran and UNHCR took place in beautifully lush garden of the Italian 6– 9 Special Edition: World Refugee th Ambassador, H.E. Roberto Toscano Kabul on the 11 of July. The par and Mrs Francesca Toscano, who had Day ties reiterated their commitment to generously offered to host the event on voluntary, gradual, safe and digni behalf of UNHCR for the benefit of refu 10 HAMI Educates Healthcare fied return of Afghan refugees to gee children in Iran. The guests had all Workers come to watch the screening of Oscar their country, Afghanistan. More nominated Iranian film, director Majid UNHCR at Tehran International specifically, the parties recognized Majidi’s critically acclaimed film Book Fair the lack of shelter, health and edu “Baran” (Rain). Along with the opening speeches by H.E. Roberto Toscano and cation facilities, the high rate of 11 The Junior Professional UNHCR Iran Representative Sten A. unemployment and poverty and Bronee, Mr. Majidi took the opportunity Programme the weak social services in Af before the film to urge all participants to UNHCRIran Success at UN ghanistan as the main obstacles to do what they could to address the plight of Afghan refugees, attending the event Games return. Further, the need to try to Staff Changes at UNHCR Iran himself. remove these obstacles through During the event, UNHCR staff set up a strengthening efforts at attracting stand in order to sell two films gener 12 Tom Koenigs, SRSG for international assistance, in order to ously donated to UNHCR by Mr. Majidi for all the proceeds to be used for the Afghanistan visits Iran promote sustainable reintegration, Profile of a Partner: GP Iran benefit of refugee children. “Barefoot to was emphasized. Iran delegation Herat” is a documentary following the for this meeting in Kabul consisted journey of Afghans returning to Afghani 13 HIV/AIDS Training for Refugees of Director General of BAFIA Mr. stan after years as refugees in Iran. (cont.page2) The Intern Experience at Ahmad Hosseini, UNHCR Iran UNHCR Tehran Office Representative Mr. Sten A. Bronee UNHCR Highlights and Deputy Representative Mr. Jean Claude Forget. l 14 The Medical Team Embassies in Mashad

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Delegates at a field mission to Afghan settlements in the outskirts of Mashhad, visiting the homes of vulnerable Afghan refugees.

An Afghan refugee woman telling her needs to

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During a Q&A session with Afghan refugees: Fumio Yawata from the Japanese Embassy (left), Ghassem UN is a short film featuring Afghan refugee Mehraeen from UNHCR Mashad, Ali Jafari Nejad, Director General of BAFIA Khorrasan Razavi and Alessandro © Bolzoni, Head of UNHCR’s Mashad office. children in a camp near Zahedan tak ing part in a sports competition in the stories and ask questions. Following their visàvis contact with the refugees, the midst of a desertous surroundings. delegates took with them valuable information about the conditions in which urban UNHCR’s newly released film, “Wherever I go the Sky is Mine” was refugees in the Mashad area live under. In the afternoon the delegates were taken also on sale. (see also page 8&9) to a meeting with Afghan community leaders and press members. Again, this provided the delegates with a good opportunity to hear from the refugees directly. One of the Embassy guests has com Many of the refugees present also used the event to raise their concerns with Mr. mented that after watching “Baran— Rain” that night, he could never look at Fumio Yawata, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan acting as the spokesperson the construction sites the same way for the Embassy delegation, Director General of BAFIA Khorassan Region and anymore, as thinking of the daily diffi UNHCR’s Mr. Bolzoni directly. This meeting underlined the importance of engag culties faced by Afghan refugees who are invisible in a big city like Tehran. ing in active dialogue with the refugee community in order to meet their needs in a Baran (Rain) depicts a romantic love better way. story between a young Iranian teaboy The second day was dedicated to visiting TorbateJam refugee camp, near and an Afghan refugee, both working Iran’s Dogharoun border with Afghanistan. The camp, which had its facilities up at a construction site in Tehran. In this film, Mr. Majidi has selected most of his graded through generous support by the Government of Japan, houses around actors from Torbate Jam Afghan refu 4900 Afghan refugees. After an introduction by the camp manager, the delega gee camp. The lead actress Zahra tion was taken for a tour around the camp where they saw, among other things, Bahrami, plays the role of the worker’s the school, the health clinic, market and houses. Later, a “question and answer” son Rahmat who enters the scene when his father falls from the building. session was organised to give the refugees an opportunity to voice their concerns She becomes the new provider of the with the delegation. In the afternoon, the delegation returned to Mashad for their family, until the revelation of Rahmat’s Tehran departure. secret that he is actually a young This kind of visits are vital for the understanding of donor countries and donor woman posing as a man to be able to work as a construction worker. This organisations have of the operations UNHCR undertakes. Providing an opportu very moving love story also portrays nity to assess activities on the ground enables current and potential donors to the hardworking nature and the very complement the statistics and background information provided by UNHCR and simple needs of Afghan refugees living l other sources, in order for them to have a more complete picture of the realities in Tehran side by side with us. on the ground. UNHCR would like to thank our government counterpart BAFIA Central and BAFIA Khorassan who played a core role in facilitating this visit for Embassies in Iran. l 2 UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 UNHCR’s Majidi Movie Night in Photos Below: Mrs. Francesca Toscano and UNHCR’s Francesco Moschetta looks at the selection films on display at UNHCR’s stand.

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Above: The Italian Ambassador, H.E. Roberto Toscano making the opening speech information stand © on the evening of UNHCR Majidi movie night at the Italian Residence .

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Above from left to right: UNHCR Iran Representative Sten A. Above: Mr. Majidi is signing copies of his Bronee, External Relations Officer Safak Pavey, Film director Majid Majidi and Mr. Majidi’s Assistant. films being sold for the benefit of refugee Below from left to right: Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Ole children.

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Above: EDP Clerk Hamed Shaker at the UNHCR stand, as one of the UNHCR staff who volunteered to make this event happen. Amongst those colleagues who volunteered were Roxana Zardoshti, Homeira Hattab, Dina Faramarzi and Oivind Kjonsvik from UNHCR Tehran Office.

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Claude Forget and Norwegian First HC UN Secretary Vigdis Garborg also

Above (from left): Ambassador of Brasil H.E.Luiz Antonio Facchini Gomez © buying films to contribute to and Managing Director of MAHAK NGO Mr. Taheri are being informed on UNHCR. the situation of refugees and UNHCR activities.

UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 3 Guest Editorial by H.E. Roberto Toscano

—Anyone who is fa and persecution from their homes and their countries. And miliar with Italian for yet, it does more than that. eign policy will agree In the first place, although assistance to refugees, to their that multilateralism, dramatic needs, has become a huge and necessary task, and in particular a we should never forget that UNHCR is also (some would strong commitment to say mainly) about protection. That UNHCR is about rights. the principles and goals This is why that when Sergio Vieira de Mello moved from of the United Nations is the office of the High Commissioner for Refugee to being one of its most charac the High Commissioner for Human Rights he was continu teristic features. Within ing, in a way, the same task in a different environment. Ambassador of the Republic of Italy H.E. this farmework, Secondly, although it is true that UNHCR intervenes to Roberto Toscano and Mrs Toscano at the Italian UNHCR has always “pick up the pieces” after wars and horrendous episodes of Residence in Tehran. been considered by ethnic cleansing or even genocide, we should never forget Italy as one of the most vital and indispensable branches of its very important preventive role. the UN. But I do not want, here, to confirm the policy of my Violence and wars form a chain that can be broken only if country. Rather, taking advantage of the hospitality offered their consequences are not allowed to become, in their by the UNHCR Newsletter, I would like to add a personal turn, causes of new violence, of new wars. The interna dimension and express some personal reflections on the tional community should have by now learned, the hard role of UNHCR and on the issue of refugees. way, that leaving the plight of refugees unaddressed not only constitutes an unforgivable moral failure, but it also My most important reference are the almost five years means irresponsibly overlooking the danger of new trage (19941999) that I spent as Deputy Permanent Representa dies that are just waiting to happen. tive at the Italian Mission to UN/Geneva. During those years I had the opportunity to work with the UNHCR almost on a Hopefully the awareness is daily basis. Those were the years of two major humanitarian there, and yet that awareness tragedies: Rwanda and former Yugoslavia. Two tragedies does not always translate which entailed an incredibly demanding challenge on the itself into the necessary and High Commissioner – at the time Madame Ogata – and on urgent action. Too often the her staff, both at headquarters and in the field. public, all over the world and As I think of those years, my memories focus especially on a especially in the more eco person that I not only worked with and admired, but came to nomically developed coun consider as a personal friend: Sergio Vieira de Mello. I think Above:Displaced children tries, reacts to the news and Sergio, the closest assistant to the High Commissioner, em queue up for refreshment at a images of new conflict pro bodied the best qualities of the people who work in UNHCR: school in Beirut housing the ducing refugees and IDPs displaced. UNHCR has started high professional standards combined with deep commit helping people in mountainous with an impatient : “ But what ment to the cause of refugees and to the highest goals em areas north of the Lebanese is the UN doing?”. As if the bodied in the UN Charter. Sergio died for those goals in Iraq capital July 2006©UNHCR/ UN were not us, as if it were after having been for a short period High Commissioner for C.Lau not true that without ade Human Rights. It was a huge loss not only for his family and quate mandates and suffi friends, but also for the UN, to which he could have contrib cient financial and human resources even the most pas uted with many years of generous and toplevel commit sionate commitment and the highest professional prowess ment. will not do the job. I believe that the mis This is why – and I believe UNHCR has understood it it is sion of UNHCR lies at not enough to do a good job, but it is important to convey the very center of the information to public opinion and to build networks of challenges of our awareness and support. To give a recent example, I refer times. It operates, no to the very effective TV campaign with the testimonial of doubt, with a humani worldfamous personalities who were once refugees. tarian mission, ad Of course, governments should supply the main support to dressing the suffering UNHCR, but in today’s world, communication and the in of millions who are volvement of individuals, companies and NGO’s are no uprooted by violence longer marginal phenomena. States are still the main ac tors, but no longer the only ones. Above : Sergio Vieira de Mello I am sure that my country, and also my fellow Italians as (right) and TimorLeste President individuals and organizations, will continue giving UNHCR Xanana Gusmao enjoy a light both attention and support. Personally, I can confirm my moment during that country’s move towards independence. high appreciation of its goals and admiration for its staff, Photo© AP/F.Lisnawati working, usually in very difficult conditions, often in very inhospitable and dangerous surroundings: you have a fan and a friend… Right: Sergio Vieira de Mello at the Cambodia / Thailand border at the beginning of UNHCR repatriation —Roberto Toscano operation in1992.

Sergio Vieira de Mello is a Brasilian United Nations Diplomat who worked for UNHCR from 1969 to 1998 and for the UN for over 34 years. He was killed in the Canal Hotel Bombing in Iraq along with other members of his staff at the UN Iraq Mission, on the afternoon of 19 August 2003. When he was sent to Iraq as the Special Representative of Secretary General Kofi Annan, he said: "I have been sent here with a mandate to assist the Iraqi people and those responsible for the administration of this land to achieve freedom, the possibility of managing their own destiny and determining their own future."… Sergio Vieira de Mello (15 March 1948—19 August 2003)

4 UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 Nansen Award Goes to a Japanese With Global Vision 2006 Nansen Refugee Award Goes to Japanese Man with Global Vision

Formerly known as the Nansen Medal, this Award is named after the Norwegian arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who was appointed in 1921 by the UN's predecessor, the League of Nations, to be the very first High Commissioner for Refugees. The Award, consisting of a medal and a $100,000 monetary prize, is given out yearly to a person or group for outstanding services in supporting refugee causes. This year's winner: Japanese optometrist Dr. Akio Kanai of Fuji Optical, who over more than two decades has im proved the quality of life of over 100,000 uprooted people around the world by testing their eyes and providing them with spectacles. The Nansen Refugee Award Committee selected Dr. Kanai, chairman and chief executive officer of Fuji Optical, for his practical commitment to humanitarian work and dedication to easing the plight of refugees by improving their eyesight. The committee found Dr. Kanai had "rendered exceptional service to the refugee cause" and had made a huge and genuine contribution to uprooted people in human as well as financial terms. Dr. Kanai's company is based in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. "I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen as the 2006 Nansen Refugee Award recipient. This award is testimony to the significance that the role of optometry plays in the future of refugees by improving their sight and thus empowering them to secure a 'future in focus,'" Dr. Kanai said. The annual Nansen Refugee Award is given to individuals or or ganizations that have distinguished themselves in work on behalf of refugees. It includes a US$100,000 grant from Norway and Switzer land for a refugeerelated project of the winner's choice and is scheduled to be presented in October during the annual gathering in Geneva of UNHCR's governing Executive Committee. "Tens of thousands of displaced people living in extremely difficult circumstances have been given a new outlook on life thanks to Dr. Kanai," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guter res. "The gift of sight is precious. Restoring it makes a huge differ ence in individual lives, making learning possible for children and adults and pulling them back from the fringes of marginalisation."

Dr. Kanai, himself forcibly displaced from the northern Pacific is Nansen Refugee Award winner Dr. Akio Kanai tests a refugee woman's eyesight in Nepal in 1994. The Fuji Optical chief has pro land of Sakhalin at the end of World War II, started his humanitar vided spectacles to over 100,000 uprooted people during his more ian optometry work in 1983 in Thailand with Indochinese refugees, than twodecadelong partnership with UNHCR. © Fuji Optical Co. Ltd many of whom had lost or broken their glasses while fleeing. Many were undergoing courses ahead of being resettled and needed glasses to study. Dr. Kanai checked the sight of the refugees and, in doing so, started a long engagement with refugee work. He began cooperating with UNHCR in 1984, and has since conducted more than 24 missions to help uprooted people in Nepal, Thailand, Azerbaijan and Armenia. He has donated more than 108,200 pairs of glasses, provided optometry equipment, made cash grants and trained local medical staff. Fuji Optical is UNHCR's longestserving corporate part ner. Dr. Kanai's family and his staff are also involved in Fuji Optical's Vision Aid missions. Some 70 employees have taken part in the aid missions, using their holidays to work in refugee camps. The Japanese optometrist, noting that the use of spectacles was essential for countless refugees and internally dis placed persons, said: "It has been a pleasure for myself, as well as all of those who participated and partnered in Fuji Optical's Vision Aid missions over the past 23 years, to have played a small part in assisting these people enjoy the benefits of corrected sight." Dr. Kanai said the missions would not have been possible without the support of UNHCR. "In continuing partnership with the UNHCR, we look forward to a long and productive future – empowering refugees by serving their essential vision needs." The Nansen Refugee Award, created in 1954, is named after Fridtjof Nansen, the celebrated Norwegian polar explorer and the world's first international refugee official. Previous recipients include Eleanor Roosevelt, Médecins sans Fron tières, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and Graça Machel. Last year, the award went to Margarita Barankitse, also known as the "Angel of Burundi," in recognition of her work with separated children whose lives have been devastated by war and the scourge of HIV/AIDS.—

Please visit UNHCR Public Website to see more stories on the Nansen Award: www.unhcr.org **********BREAKING NEWS********** UNHCR IRAN EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR THE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION OF THE GOVERMENT OF JAPAN THAT DONATED USD$ 1 MILLION IN AN EARMARKED CONTRIBUTION FOR REFUGEES AND UNHCR OPERATIONS IN IRAN

UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 5 Special Edition World Refugee Day 2006

Pictures and Highlights from World Refugee Day 2006

On the 20 June UNHCR celebrated C o n s u l a t e a t t en d ed . T h e World Refugee Day 2006 under the representatives delivered speeches theme of “Hope”. The day was on the theme of “Hope”, praising the

celebrated in various locations around willingness of the refugees to hope for 6 0 0 2

Iran, including Tehran, Mashad, a better future in their home country. N RA An Afghan musical group entertained the audience I Ahwaz and Zahedan. In a Q&A session, the refugees R

with traditional Afghan music, a performance which HC UN In Tehran the event took place in addressed various questions of well was very well received among the spectators. © the Kanoun Culture and Arts Creation concern to BAFIA and UNHCR, Center, which had very generously including queries about drinking water offered UNHCR to use their facilities in the camp and employment in free of charge on the day. Mr. Ahmad Afghanistan. The day was concluded Hosseini, Advisor to the Minister and with refreshments and a concert with Director General at the Bureau for Afghan music. The staff at Field Aliens & Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs, Office Dogharoun, on the Afghan S t e n A . B r o n e é , U N H C R Iranian border, organised a football

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Representative Mr. Vaziri held the In Zahedan among 200 refugees RA I Film director Majid Majidi kisses an Iraqi refugee R opening speeches. gathered for a somewhat belated HC

child as he hands over a signed football in connection UN th Among the highlights was the celebration on the 26 of June. with the launch of UNHCR’s ninemillion.org campaign. © The child was part of a group of refugee children screening of the film “Wherever I go However, the commemoration had receiving cancer treatment from UNHCR’s the Sky is Mine”, a film coproduced kicked off four days earlier with a implementing partner MAHAK NGO. In the background with the ball is Mr. Ahmad Hosseini, by UNHCR and the Kanoun Institute drawing competition among Afghan Director General of the Bureau for Alien and Foreign for the Intellectual Development of refugee school children. After Immigrant’s Affairs, who also took part in the ceremony. Children and Young Adults. Majid speeches by the Head of Sub Office Majidid’s film, “Olympics in Camp” Zahedan, the Director General of was also screened, with Majidi himself BAFIA and the Afghan Consul in making an introduction. UNHCR’s Zahedan, the day was continued with ninemillion.org campaign was also singing and music. At the end of the launched when Mr. Majidi, Mr. day the winners of the drawing Hosseini and Mr. Broneẻ handed out competition received their prizes and footballs signed by themselves to refreshments were served to conclude

6 0 0 refugee children suffering from the event. Finally in Ahwaz, the 2 N RA cancer. The final act of the day was a celebration included a wide range of I Mr. Hosseini giving footballs to refugee children. R miniconcert by an Afghan refugee activities. In addition to the speeches HC UN band playing traditional Afghan music, delivered by the Director General of © something which was well received by BAFIA and the Head of SubOffice, the audience. the day contained maong other things, In Mashad the commemoration took a drawing competition for refugee place in TorbateJam refugee camp, children, a magical show, a karate for the first time in the camp’s show, a Koran competition, a mini existence. In addition to the camp’s concert and an exhibition of residents, representatives from handicrafts and art made by refugees. A Postit note given to the Head of Mashad Sub UNHCR, BAFIA and the Afghan Office Alessandro Bolzoni on 20 June World Refu gee Day by an Afghan refugee in TorbateJam camp

6 UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 Special Edition World Refugee Day 2006

Pictures and Highlights from World Refugee Day 2006 POST IT FROM ZAHEDAN

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Representatives of UNHCR Mashad , BAFIA © Khorrasan Razavi and the Afghan Consulate attend the World Refugee Day ceremony in TorbateJam refugee camp.

UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 7 Special Edition World Refugee Day 2006 Making the World Refugee Day Film The Kanoun Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults partnered with UNHCR Tehran to make this film happen. The film’s Director Mehdi Jafari, his filming crew , Iraqi and Afghan refugee children, BAFIA officials at the camps and public information unit and volunteering staff from UNHCR Tehran worked together building up to World Refugee Day to realise this project. During busy weeks building up to WRD, “Wherever I go the Sky is Mine” was filmed in refu gee camps in Semnan and Saveh out side Tehran. The main camp where the film was produced, houses around 3500 people, nearly 60% of them chil dren. This location was chosen to

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© The film clearly reflects this, with several touching scenes where refugee children tell about their hopes and dreams. By using a technique where a slate of glass covered by sand is lit up from underneath, the children could make drawings and illustrations to communicate some of their dreams and ideas by drawing them on the sand. Through simple but powerful techniques and surrounded by a very picturesque landscape, the film con veys a powerful message about hope.

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© © An officer from BAFIA helping a refugee child with Afghan boys line up hoping to be selected for the film. promotional tool for UNHCR in Iran. his kite. For information about purchasing this film, please see page 9. l

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8 UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 World Refugee Day 2006

Buying the UNHCR Iran Films for the benefit of Refugee Children Films available for purchase through UNHCR Iran:

“Wherever I go the Sky is Mine” By Mehdi Jafari (20 mins) This film was made for World Refugee Day 2006, and portrays life among Afghan refugee children in Saveh Camp. Through the theme of “Hope” the films conveys some of the dreams and aspirations of a refugee child living in a camp.

Price: Rls. 150 000/USD $15

Coming up soon:

“Olympics in Camp” By Majid Majidi (10 mins) A short film from a refugee camp near Zahedan, showing Afghan children organising and taking part in various sporting activities, hence the name.

“Barefoot to Herat” By Majid Majidi (100 mins) A documentary following Afghan refu gee families returning to their home country. The film portrays the hardship and difficulties these families experi ence as they travel towards home.

All these films can be ordered from UNHCR Tehran’s External Relations and Public Information Unit. Please email [email protected] 6 0

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UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 9 HAMI educates health workers

Iranian NGO HAMI educates healthcare workers for Afghanistan

The Iranian NGO HAMI, has UNHCR met with three of the Afghan school. The girls said the organised a health care course for graduates who told us about their course had covered topics such as Afghan female refugees in Iran. After experience. Fatemeh (20), Roghayeh family planning, maternal health, child finishing an 8 month course a number (19) and Goli (19) had all completed care and vaccination theory. of happy graduates received their most of the course, with only 11 days During the first six months the diplomas in a ceremony held on the of hospital training remaining. They students received instruction from the th 8 of June. heard about the course through an Iranian Red Crescent Society, while other HAMI partners covered later modules. The girls said the course was very interesting and they learnt a lot, but they would have preferred the course to have been even longer in order to cover topics more indepth. One of the expectations of the participants was that they return to Afghanistan upon completion to work as Doctor’s Assistants. Nevertheless, the girls said they very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate. Now they are brining valuable knowledge back to their community. HAMI is an Iranian NGO that 6

Ashrafi, director of HAMI, addresses the health worker graduates during the 0 0 2 supports refugee women and children N RA I

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assistance . © CONDOLENCES: UNHCR Tehran’s Public Information AS ONE OF OUR LONGSTAND External Relations Unit helped ING IRANIAN NGO PARTNERS, manning the United Nations stand at WE WOULD LIKE TO COM MEMORATE THE MEMORY OF the Tehran International Book Fair this MR. MARASHI, THE PROJECT May. All the various UN agencies DIRECTOR OF POOYA NGO, operating in Iran participated in order to WHO DIED SUDDENLY. UNHCR

put their various publications on 6

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book fair has been done by President © UNHCR Tehran’s Senior Public Information of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. GHAN SCHOLARS WHO BENE Clerk Dina Faramarzi is manning the UN stand FITED FROM GERMANFUNDED Ahmadinejad. while members of the public visit the United Nations stand at the Tehran International Book Fair DAFI UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR The UN stand was well visited by the SHIP. public who asked questions and took with them publications on topics of their interest. l

10 UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 Junior Professional Officer

The Junior Professional Officer Programme UNHCR Success in Interagency Games

protection, the provision of The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) At the UN Interagency Games, held in humanitarian assistance in various Programme provides the opportunity for Pesaro, Italy in late May, UNHCR Iran e m e r g e n c y a n d s p e c i a l young university graduates, and young was represented by three of its staff; programmes, and in other areas qualified professionals to obtain training Samira Rohani from UNHCR Zahedan such as technical support services as well as exposure to UNHCR’s Sub Office attended as the captain of or donor and external relations. The UNHCR swimming team, while Maryam Ahmadi and Safak Pavey from UNHCR Tehran office also took their place as contestants.

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N Clerk at UNHCR Iran’s Tehran Office RA I

R participated in the team that won HC UN

© bronze in the relay. The team was a The UN Refugee Agency provides opportunities for young university graduates and young qualified professionals to gain exposure to UNHCR’s humanitarian work through its Junior Professional Officer joint effort by UNHCR and FAO. Programme. Safak Pavey UNHCR Iran’s Public areas of expertise which UNHCR Information and External Relations humanitarian work in the field or at looks for in candidates, are Officer won gold in swimming. Headquarters. p a r t i c ul a r i n l a w , p u bl i c UNHCR Iran extends its congratula As at January 2004, twentytwo administration and social sciences. tions to our staff for making us proud. Governments/Organisations sponsor JPOs are expected to have Staff Changes at over 90 JPOs under the UNHCR JPO excellent knowledge of English and/ UNHCR Iran Programme, These are: Austria, or French (depending on the Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, geographical area to which they are The following international staff has France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, to be assigned); knowledge of other joined UNHCR Iran in the past three Korea, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, official UN languages is a definite months; Nigeria, Norway, Organisation advantage. The JPO agerange is Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), from 25 to 32, although in Ms. France Lau Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, exceptional cases this limit may be Senior Protection Officer United Kingdom and USA. The duration waived. The age limit (if there is Tehran of a JPO assignment varies according one) will be imposed by the Ms. Jadwiga Pietrzak to the sponsor Government (2 or 3 sponsoring Government. Assoc. Admin and Programme Officer years) Mashad Certain Governments (currently The UNHCR Iran currently has one Mr. Sajal Datta Gupta Netherlands, Japan, Belgium, Italy, JPO working as Associate Head of SubOffice Finland and the “Organisation Resettlement Officer. This post has Ahwaz Internationale de la Francophonie – been sponsored by the Italian Mr. Jean Yves Bouchardy OIF”) also sponsor JPOs from other Government since 2001 and it will Head of SubOffice countries under the Developing Country run until beginning of October 2006, Zahedan Scheme (JPO/DC). at which point UNHCR currently Mr. Alessandro Bolzoni In UNHCR, the JPO gains working seek funding from JPO partner Head of SubOffice experience, while under supervision countries to continue this crucial Mashad from UNHCR officers, in the fields of position also in 2007.l

UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 11 Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of UN Secretary General for Afghanistan visits Iran: “Stability & reconstruction essential for the return of refugees”

In May, Mr. Tom Koenigs, UN voluntary return to be possible, there Profile of a Partner Secretary General Kofi Annan’s are several conditions. Global Partners is one of the interna S p ec i a l R ep r es en t at i v e f or tional NGOs involved in Iran in improv Afghanistan, visited Iran. He met with He mentioned that the conditions in ing educational opportunities and re high level government officials and Afghanistan is not easy while the UN colleagues. Mr. Koenigs brought a economy is still very fragile. He said; lieving poverty for the most disadvan message of approach from President “UNHCR already returned millions taged people. Its mandate in Iran is to Karzai and the people of Afghanistan and still some hundred thousands are work in various projects which benefit to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its to return in 2006. Yet, while the the large refugee communities. generosity in hosting the Afghan voluntary return continues, there is As its Chief of Mission Mr. Derek Knell refugees. also the question of “making refugees fit to return”. Returning refugees also states that GP Iran is committed would only have a sustainable future if to working towards long term durable they are wellskilled through receiving solutions to the refugee problems in necessary training before they return.” Iran. He adds that Global Partners is added Mr. Koenigs. committed to relieve poverty by He encouraged the wider UN “teaching people to fish” rather than community to support these efforts. providing fish on a plate. With this However, each UN agency currently philosophy, Global Partners hope to

0 face a difficulty in funding and they

0 encourage the refugee community 2 N need to call for funding from donors. toward greater self reliance and long RA I

R Mr. Koenigs called on both state and

HC nonstate institutions to look at these lasting solutions to their problems. UN

© projects for possible funding. Currently Global Partners runs skills Tom Koenigs being interviewed by an Iranian media member. He thanked Government of Islamic training centres in Mashad and Za Republic of Iran in hosting him and for hedan which have courses of English, He underlined that the stability in all its efforts to help Afghanistan’s Business English, Computer, Account Afghanistan is vital for stability in the development. l region and that he has all the hope ing, Flower making, Tailoring, Embroi that the reconstruction and progress dery, Carpet Weaving, Crystal Glass in Afghanistan with help of Iran will Design and Calligraphy. During three continue. months period from April to June, Mr. Koenigs encouraged the Global Partners educated a total of Government of Iran for further cooperation in the areas of agriculture 487 female and 112 male students. In and capacity building for the Afghan addition to the skills training centres, Government. Global Partners also has a self funding Dental Clinic and Green He expressed his concern for the House project to meet the needs of humanitarian situation of the 940.000

Afghan refugees and poor Iranians. To 6

remaining Afghan refugees in Iran. 0 0 2 learn more about Global PartnersIran, While the voluntary return of the N RA refugees is still an ongoing I you may visit their website; Tom Koenigs at his press conference held at R programme implemented by UNHCR the UN common premises in Tehran, on 2 May. HC l

Shokrieh says: “At Ahmedreza says; “I Faegheh says; “I GP’s Skills Training am studying English am studying Eng Center, I studied Eng and Computer. I’d lish at GP’s Skills lish and Computer. It like to become a Training Center. I is very helpful to me translator for an in like it very much! already and will be ternational organisa It gives me a even more in the fu tion in my country.” chance to teach ture.” English one day.”

12 UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 HIV/AIDS Awareness Training HIV/AIDS Awareness Training for Refugees by UNHCR Ourumieh and Iranian Red Crescent Highlights: UNHCR Iran UNHCR Iran and its implementing partner, Iranian Red Crescent Society, April—July 2006 conducted HIV/AIDS awareness training for Iraqi refugees in Ziveh refugee camp, near Orumieh in June. The training aimed at making the refugees aware of 2006 various issues related to HIV and AIDS, thus making them able to protect April themselves, but also to support members of their community already suffering from UNHCR Iran sends 10 tonnes of emer the disease. gency relief supplies to the victims fol Topics covered included; Being tested; lowing the earthquake in Lorestan What is HIV/AIDS HIV antibody test indications. province. How is HIV transmitted HIV antibody test and employment The first edition of UNHCR Iran’s How is HIV not transmitted HIV antibody test and pregnancy newsletter is released to the Govern Preventing HIV transmission Living with HIV/AIDS ment, Embassies, NGOs, Implement Vulnerable people ing Partners and fellow UN Agencies in The relationship between AIDS and other diseases Iran. The training was conducted over two days and a total number of 120 refugees WFP and UNHCR Iran undertakes a 2 participated. According to the course organisers, the refugees welcomed the weeks’ assessment mission to the Af training and said it was both useful and interesting. The refugees who could not ghan refugee camps to evaluate the attend the training requested that it would be offered again in the future. livelihood situation of camp refugees and assess assistance needs.

May UNHCR met with representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organisa tion to discuss future cooperation.

June Mr. Yassine Gaba, Head of ECHO’s Iran and Pakistan Office in Islamabad came to Iran on 1215 June to assess

6 0 0 2 ECHOfunded projects in the country. N RA I R

Iraqi refugee women in Ziveh Camp receives HIV/AIDS awareness training. HC UN July

© The 10 th meeting of the Tripartite Twice a week, UNHCR runs Q&A sessions for refugees in Tehran about HIV/ Commission between Afghanistan, Iran AIDS. During these sessions refugees receive information about transmission, and UNHCR took place in Kabul on the protection and testing. Information leaflets are also distributed to those who are 11 th of July. interested. ●

Quotes on Being an Intern at UNHCRTehran Office

"Being an intern with UNHCR Tehran UNHCRTehran thanks Oivind for his has been a highly rewarding experi contributions to refugees during his ence." internship and wishes him good luck in "For me, it has been very interesting his future endeavours. to work in an international environ ment helping UNHCRIran support UNHCRTehran has a number of in one of the largest refugee populations ternship positions available and wel in the world." comes to receive applications at: [email protected] . Oivind Kjonsvik, External Relations From Left to Right: UNHCR Field Clerk Mr. Homan and PI intern at UNHCR Tehran be Marandi, 101 years old Afghan refugee Mohammed tween JanuaryAugust 2006. and UNHCR Intern Oivind Kjonsvik in Torbate Jam camp, Mashhad.

UNHCR Iran Newsletter AprilJuly 2006 No. 2 13 The Medical Team The Work of the Medical Team at UNHCR Tehran

The medical team forms part of the large demand for these services UNHCR’s Community Integrated among the refugee population. A large Social and Medical Assistance proportion of the patients that come to Programme (CISAMAP), and it is the UNHCR suffer from chronic and medical unit at our offices that many treatmentintensive diseases which refugees come to seek assistance for incur medical expenses they cannot their medical needs. The team is a cover themselves. “In particular we Dr. Shahla Farjad, Head of medical team at UNHCR Tehran Office part of UNHCR that seeks to assist have a lot of patients suffering from refugees in meeting essential medical heart and renal disease”, says Dr. comments another colleague, Ms.

6 needs. UNHCR Iran has 5 teams Fatemeh Izadi, one of the doctors who Shirin Kaviani who works as an 0 0 2 located in various cities around Iran. serve the refugees as part of the interviewer. She says limited funding N RA I The team in Tehran is by far the medical team headed by Dr. Shahla leads to hard prioritization. “In R HC UN

largest of them, with a staff of 8 Farjad. “They have no option but to particular we focus our support on © assisting around 55 refugees every seek help with us, since there is no minors and elders, and individuals who day. treatment available for their diseases are in a particularly vulnerable situation During our visit we met with a young in Afghanistan”, she continues. within their communities, like women Afghan man who is receiving support “Unfortunately our support only headed families”, she adds. and counselling after an accident two covers around 2030% of their Medical support is an essential years ago. He was working in a expenses, and therefore a family service that UNHCR provides to the fireworks factory with eight other men, member’s illness will have a major refugee community in Iran while they when the gunpowder store exploded impact on the family’s finances”, wait for an opportunity to voluntarily after being ignited by the heater. Five return to their home country in safety people were killed, among them two and dignity. However, as Dr. Farjad, Iranians and three Afghan refugees. the head of the medical team This man, together with three others, emphasises that we have a lot of escaped the accident with serious patients who suffers from severe injuries. His family took him to diseases and need our necessary hospital, but UNHCR later helped them assistance, but we do not have enough cover the medical bills. This case is funding to cover everyone. Therefore, not unique, and many refugees seek continuation of financial support for medical assistance after accidents. our assistance to most vulnerable A n Afghan mother and her child I n the waiting l The full waiting room is testimony to to be consulted by the doctor in the medical team. refugees is crucial.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published by UNHCR Tehran Office External Relations & PI Unit

For information and inquiries please contact: Ms. Safak Pavey Address: PI & External Relations Officer No. 5 East Emdad Street, North Shiraz Avenue, Vanak, Tehran [email protected] Telephone: +98 21 88057201 Fax: +98 21 88057212 Email: [email protected]

UNHCR Iran Newsletter April—July 2006