UNHCR urges de-escalation as displacement reported in Iran, Israel

Xinhua
21 Jun 2025, 21:45 GMT+10

GENEVA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Saturday urged de-escalation of the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, saying that displacement has already been observed in both countries due to the intensifying conflict.

In a statement, UNHCR said movements have been reported from Tehran and other parts of Iran, with some individuals crossing into neighboring countries. Meanwhile, shelling in Israel has forced people to seek shelter in other parts of the country or, in some cases, abroad.

"This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss, and displacement - we cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root," said Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees. "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," he added.

According to the agency's Global Trends 2024 Report released last week, Iran hosts some 3.5 million refugees, mainly from Afghanistan - making it the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. Prolonged conflict, the agency warned, would compound existing vulnerabilities among refugee populations.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Afghanistan Sun.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

Swiss National Bank responds to strong franc and US trade doubts

Swiss central bank cuts interest rate to 0% amid inflation drop

ZURICH, Switzerland: The Swiss National Bank (SNB) lowered its key interest rate to zero percent on June 19 to respond to falling inflation,...

New U.S. guidelines may cut daily alcohol limit from advice

U.S. to drop daily alcohol limit in revised dietary guidelines

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. government is preparing to revise its influential dietary advice, with a significant shift: dropping the...

UBS: Over 379,000 Americans became millionaires last year

US gained 1,000 new millionaires a day in 2024, says UBS

ZURICH, Switzerland: The U.S. saw an extraordinary rise in wealth last year, with more than 1,000 people crossing into millionaire...

The Hague faces lockdown for global leaders' meet

The Hague becomes fortress ahead of NATO summit

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The city that prides itself on being a beacon of peace and justice—home to institutions like the International...

Drug shortages and layoffs spark health crisis in Argentina

Milei's austerity cuts cripple Argentina's public health system

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Since taking office in December 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei has implemented sweeping austerity...

Volcanic ash grounds flights to Indonesia, disrupts travel to Bali

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi erupts, forcing village evacuations

LEMBATA, Indonesia: Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted dramatically on June 18, generating substantial ash and smoke plumes....

Central Asia

Section