Beirut: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is urgently mobilizing resources from Iran and Afghanistan to Lebanon and Syria to assist people displaced from their homes amid a tense regional crisis. Many affected countries are home to millions of refugees and displaced persons.
According to Thai News Agency, UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation in Iran as the largest UN agency in the area, operating since 1984 with its main office in Tehran and five field offices. While the exact number of internally displaced persons cannot yet be confirmed due to the rapidly changing situation, the organization affirms its readiness to immediately support the Iranian government in dealing with this crisis. Currently, Iran is caring for over 1,650,000 refugees and those in need of protection. These individuals face severe hardship due to economic downturn, soaring inflation, and rising living costs, impacting access to basic necessities. Meanwhile, stricter residency restrictions have forced some Afghans to consider returning to their home country amid widespread anxiety. However, UNHCR continues to operate its hotline and reception centers, providing ongoing health assistance and social protection, and affirms that all personnel on the ground remain safe.
Furthermore, UNHCR has increased preparedness at key border crossings and called on all countries to keep their borders open to prevent the forced return of refugees to life-threatening dangers. Recent assessments indicate that the situation at the Islam Gala border, a key border town in Herat province in western Afghanistan bordering Iran, remains stable, as do movements along the borders with Turkey and Armenia.
Amid the escalating crisis, UNHCR's capacity to provide assistance has been diminished due to budget cuts. In 2026, UNHCR requires a total budget of approximately 15,845 million baht (US$454.2 million) for its mission to protect displaced persons in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia, but funding allocation until February was only 15 percent. This significantly impacts its relief capacity. UNHCR calls on all countries to open their borders to those fleeing life-threatening danger and emphasizes that refusing asylum seekers violates the principle of international protection.
Meanwhile, the situation in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and the outskirts of Beirut is facing mass displacement after evacuation warnings were issued in several areas amid intense airstrikes. Reports indicate that around 30,000 people have sought shelter in government centers, while many more remain stranded on evacuation routes or forced to sleep in their cars by the roadside. UNHCR is coordinating with local authorities to expedite the distribution of emergency relief supplies and closely monitoring the Syrian border after 11,000 refugees crossed the border in a single day. They have also prepared a strategic supply depot from Termez, Uzbekistan, to be ready to respond promptly to any crisis.