Please refer to the attached file.
Since late February, hostilities in Iran and Lebanon have generated humanitarian and protection consequences across the region, including refugee returns in adverse circumstances to Afghanistan and Syria. While diplomatic efforts have contributed to a reduction in large-scale military activity, uncertainty remains high and the situation continues to unfold against an already fragile regional baseline. Prior to the escalation, there were more than 31 million forcibly displaced people and recent returnees across the region, alongside host communities facing significant economic and social pressures.
Inter-agency emergency response efforts are underway in directly affected countries. In Iran, the Flash Refugee Response Plan supports refugees and others in need of international protection alongside affected host communities. In Lebanon, the Flash Appeal complements the Lebanon Response Plan, while in Afghanistan support for returnees is reflected under the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.
UNHCR and partners continue to focus on the wider consequences of the situation, including returns under adverse circumstances, economic deterioration and pressure on national systems affecting growing protection risks facing refugees and vulnerable populations across the region. Preparedness arrangements remain in place, including border monitoring, reception and protection readiness, but continue to depend on flexible and predictable funding in an increasingly constrained resource environment.