Overview
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© UNICEF Iran |
Most people in the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoy an average quality of life. However, there are still many challenges ahead. These include high unemployment, unequal distribution of income and inequality of opportunity. Approximately 20% of the population live below the poverty line (2003 UN Common Country Assessment) and serious regional disparities exist.
Populations in rural areas suffer the most. They have lower household incomes, lower rates of employment, lower literacy rates and fewer available services. In Sistan and Baluchistan province, for example, only 55% of the population have access to safe water, compared with 83% nationally. And while the primary health care system is comprehensive on the whole, rates of immunization are lower in the rural disparity areas, and infant and child mortality rates are higher.
Iran ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1994 with general reservations. It has reported twice to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. The Parliament approved the signing of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2003, but it still requires the approval of a higher body.
In addition to advocating for policies and legislation at the national level, UNICEF is focusing attention on three provinces where the need is greatest — Hormozgan, West Azerbaijan, and Sistan and Baluchistan. Areas of intervention include:
The Islamic Republic of Iran is also one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and in recent years has felt the effects of floods, droughts and massive earthquakes. UNICEF came to the aid of the citizens of Bam and the surrounding area after the devastating earthquake in December 2003. Work is ongoing with local authorities and communities to restore the city and its services.
