Iran, UN Discuss Humanitarian Situation in War-Torn Countries
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and a UN official in New York met to discuss the humanitarian situation around the world, especially in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine.
During the meeting with UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths on Monday, Amirabdollahian, who is still in New York after the 77th UN General Assembly to hold talks with international figures, noted Iran supports efforts aimed at reducing human suffering around the word.
Pointing to the situation in Yemen, the Iranian minister said the UN is expected to pay attention to lifting the blockade of Yemen as well as facilitating political dialogue among Yemeni factions in order to strengthen the ceasefire in the war-torn country.
The two sides also discussed political developments and humanitarian situations in Afghanistan and Syria, with Amirabdollahian stating that approximately 5 million Afghan migrants reside in Iran, and many more enter Iranian borders on a daily basis, but the UN provides no humanitarian assistance to the large population.
Referring to the equitable distribution of humanitarian aid among Syrians, he urged international organizations to pay closer attention to the Syrians, who face a lack of safe drinking water and electricity, while terrorists and extremists in Idlib province thrive.
Concerning Iran's efforts to aid in the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, the Iranian foreign minister urged more attention to Ukrainian refugees.
Griffiths, for his part, expressed gratitude for Iran's hospitality, particularly with regard to Afghan refugees, citing the Islamic Republic as the world's shining example of welcoming and assisting refugees.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Yemen as well as establishing economic stability, adding that Iran's fair attention to the Ukrainian crisis is commendable.
The UN official also referred to a lack of budget for procuring humanitarian aid in the three countries mentioned, noting that certain countries have yet to meet their financial commitments to aid these needy states.
Humanitarian crises around the world have been exacerbated by conflict, food insecurity, climate change and the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
