Published: 24th March 2026
Japan continues to play an important role in international humanitarian cooperation aimed at supporting displaced populations. A new partnership agreement between the Government of Japan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) demonstrates this ongoing commitment.
A Partnership to Improve Education and Health Services
On 26 February 2024, the Government of Japan and UNHCR signed a partnership agreement valued at USD 3.3 million (approximately JPY 492 million) to improve access to education and healthcare services for Afghan refugees and host communities in Iran.
The initiative forms part of a long-standing collaboration between Japan and UNHCR, particularly in the areas of education, health services, and livelihood support. These programs aim to strengthen essential services while helping displaced Afghans rebuild their lives and maintain dignity during prolonged periods of displacement.
Supporting Education and Opportunity
The three-year project includes the construction of new schools that will serve both refugee and host community children. These facilities are intended to improve access to quality primary and secondary education while supporting the development of young people’s talents and future ambitions.
This initiative operates in alignment with the Iranian government’s inclusive education policy, which allows foreign nationals to enroll in public schools.
Education programs such as these play an important role in helping displaced populations build the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term stability and participation in society.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
Japan’s contribution will also support healthcare access for vulnerable Afghan refugees. Funding will help cover the health insurance costs for 21,700 refugees, enabling them to access secondary and tertiary medical services.
Access to healthcare is an essential component of refugee protection, ensuring that displaced individuals can maintain their well-being while working toward rebuilding their lives.
International Responsibility-Sharing
According to UNHCR, Japan’s support reflects its commitment to international responsibility-sharing in addressing global displacement challenges.
Ambassador Tsukada Tamaki, Japan’s Ambassador to Iran, emphasized that collaboration between governments and international organizations is essential to supporting refugees and the communities that host them.
Japan’s continued cooperation with UNHCR demonstrates how coordinated international action can help strengthen refugee protection while supporting stability in host communities.
Long-Term Cooperation Supporting Refugee Communities
For more than four decades, UNHCR has worked alongside the Government of Iran in supporting one of the world’s largest and most protracted refugee situations. Iran has implemented inclusive national policies that provide refugees access to health services, education, and social support systems.
Through continued cooperation between governments, international organizations, and humanitarian partners, initiatives such as this help ensure that displaced populations have opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
Source
Information referenced in this article is based on a publication by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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