In 2020, UNHCR continued its partnership with Government and non-governmental partners such as the Technical and Vocational Training Organization (TVTO), the Iranian Life Quality Improvement Association (ILIA) and the Pars Development Activists Institute (PDA). These collaborations resulted in the provision of technical and vocational training to 2,068 refugees in more than 50 occupations, such as welding, car repairs, handicrafts and tailoring, in 17 provinces. Moreover, 218 refugees were supported through income-generating activities such as tailoring workshops or home-based enterprises. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these workshops got involved in supporting the host community’s response to the health crisis, by switching their production lines to the production of PPE kits (masks, gowns, etc.).
Unmet needs
Out of the total of 6,000 persons estimated to be in need of livelihoods opportunities in 2020, UNHCR was able to assist 2,286 beneficiaries with various types of interventions such as vocational training, employment opportunities in business workshops, and establishment of individual businesses. Therefore, 3,714 refugees could not benefit from livelihoods opportunities. This resulted in a deterioration of their living conditions, as access to employment has become limited in the context of COVID-19.