Tehran – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Islamic Republic of Iran inaugurated on Monday, June 19, 2023, a refurbished tailoring workshop for Afghan migrants residing in the Torbat-e-Jam settlement, located in the Khorasan province.

The event took place in the presence of Sarah Arriola, Regional Director of IOM Asia Pacific, Lalini Veerassamy, Chief of Mission in the Islamic Republic of Iran, David Balloni, Head of the Economic and Development Office of the Italian Embassy in Tehran, Mr Gaderi, the Director General for International Affairs at National Migration Organisation (NMO), Mr Shakeri from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr Sherafati, DG BAFIA of Khorasan Rezavi.

With funding provided by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of the Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, IOM procured, delivered, and installed 100 pieces of equipment, among which sewing machines and other necessary tailoring devices, as well as refurbishing the entire workspace.

Through the workshop, which primarily employs newly arrived Afghan migrants, IOM aims to provide sustainable jobs and a source of income for about 100 people of all genders residing in Torbat-e-Jam, one of the most populated settlements in the country. The initiative aims at increasing access to employment skills and improving beneficiaries’ livelihoods prospects.

Through this intervention, IOM and BAFIA are collaborating both to improve displaced beneficiaries’ prospects in the short term and to enhance their access to durable solutions, while also fostering community resilience and self-reliance.

This project aligns with IOM’s goal to support vulnerable populations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, a country which has been commendably providing asylum to a large population of Afghan refugees and displaced individuals for the past four decades, implementing inclusive policies.

“IOM recognizes the vital role that the government of Iran has played in facilitating and fostering collaborations. Their continued support is essential in realizing the shared vision of a stronger and more resilient migration response system.” RD Arriola said.

In addition to the tailoring workshop, the funding support by the Italian Government allowed IOM Iran to undertake an additional project to enhance the facilities available to Afghan migrants in Torbat-e-Jam settlement. This project involves the renovation of an unfinished sports complex, which had remained incomplete for several years.

During the initial phase of the project, the 530 square meters complex has been paved to allow various sporting activities. In the subsequent phase, IOM will focus on procuring and delivering essential sports equipment, furniture, and air conditioning systems to the settlement.

“By reducing vulnerabilities and addressing humanitarian and development needs, IOM Iran aims to enhance self-reliance in the short- to medium term, while also enabling displaced people to plan for their future,” said CoM Veerassamy.

Mr Gaderi added that “the international community needs to focus more on improving the lives of Afghans migrants and refugees in the area of health and education as well as increasing resettlement possibilities.”

Joint action and cooperation under the CAP for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries is as important as ever, especially at the present critical juncture, when the country is hosting millions of documented and undocumented migrants and refugees.

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For more information, please contact at IOM Iran, Email: ttrallori@iom.int