UNICEF and Ministry of Interior partner to improve children’s well-being and community resilience in disasters

In a step towards addressing critical challenges facing children and their families in Iran, UNICEF and the Ministry of Interior (MoI) have signed a two-year workplan aimed at reducing poverty, mitigating disaster risks, and enhancing humanitarian support for refugees and host communities. This collaboration is set to strengthen community resilience and improve outcomes for vulnerable children across the country.

On 3 December 2024, Dr. Monika Oledzka Nielsen, UNICEF Representative ad interim, and Dr. Mehdi Javaheri, Advisor to the Minister and Head of the International Affairs, signed the two-year work plan. By enhancing disaster awareness and risk mitigation at the community level, the work plan will help protect children from the devastating impacts of natural and man-made disasters. Additionally, it seeks to streamline identification and support processes for vulnerable households, providing critical assistance under the poverty alleviation pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF.

The partnership also paves the way for expanded ties for collaboration with MoI-affiliated entities, such as the Social Affairs Organization, National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO), and CAFIA (Center for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs), as well as national NGOs. This networked approach is expected to amplify the reach and impact of UNICEF’s programmes, ensuring no child is left behind.

Implementation of the work plan will commence immediately, focusing on high-priority areas identified through months of collaboration. The partnership’s outcomes will be reviewed at the end of 2025 to assess progress and determine further steps to strengthen the impact of these initiatives.

This partnership underscores UNICEF’s dedication to supporting Iran’s children and communities by collaborating with national partners to build a resilient and inclusive society.