Credited from: LEMONDE
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that up to 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran since the onset of the US and Israeli conflict on February 28. This figure includes between 600,000 and 1 million households that are now faced with temporary displacement, a situation expected to worsen as hostilities continue, according to Ayaki Ito, UNHCR's director of emergency programs.
according to Le Monde, Middle East Eye, AA, Middle East Eye, and Al Jazeera.Most of the displaced individuals are reportedly fleeing from larger cities such as Tehran towards northern provinces and rural areas in search of safety. The UN agency noted a significant exodus, with around 100,000 people leaving Tehran within the first few days of the conflict, further alarming the humanitarian landscape in the region, according to Middle East Eye, AA, and Al Jazeera.
The crisis also heavily affects the refugee population already in Iran, primarily consisting of Afghans. These families are particularly vulnerable due to their precarious circumstances and limited support systems, highlighting the necessity for increased humanitarian efforts, as emphasized by Ito. The UN urges all involved parties to ensure civilian protection and sustain humanitarian access during these challenging times, according to Le Monde, Middle East Eye, and Al Jazeera.