Life in Half-Destroyed Apartments: NRC Director on Post-Ceasefire Iran
The country director of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Iran provides a firsthand account of life during and after the recent conflict. Despite intense air raids in densely populated areas of Tehran, she remained in the country to oversee the safety of over one hundred employees and continue humanitarian operations. The organization adapted by shifting to remote work and providing cash assistance to victims. Although a ceasefire has allowed some normalization, such as reopened shops, the population remains traumatized by psychological warfare and infrastructure destruction. Many residents have returned to Tehran from rural areas to protect their jobs and property, with some inhabiting half-destroyed apartments due to economic constraints or fear of leaving belongings unguarded. The NRC highlights that while there are no large tent cities, vulnerable groups, particularly Afghan refugees with restricted movement, face significant challenges. The director notes that the ceasefire feels precarious, resembling a pause rather than a resolution, with lingering fear of escalation. The interview also addresses the operational difficulties faced by Western NGOs in Iran, including suspicion from authorities, while emphasizing the critical need for ongoing psychological and material support for both Iranian citizens and refugee populations.
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Life in Half-Destroyed Apartments: NRC Director on Post-Ceasefire Iran
The country director of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Iran provides a firsthand account of life during and after the recent conflict. Despite intense air raids in densely populated areas of Tehran, she remained in the country to oversee the safety of over one hundred employees and continue humanitarian operations. The organization adapted by shifting to remote work and providing cash assistance to victims. Although a ceasefire has allowed some normalization, such as reopened shops, the population remains traumatized by psychological warfare and infrastructure destruction. Many residents have returned to Tehran from rural areas to protect their jobs and property, with some inhabiting half-destroyed apartments due to economic constraints or fear of leaving belongings unguarded. The NRC highlights that while there are no large tent cities, vulnerable groups, particularly Afghan refugees with restricted movement, face significant challenges. The director notes that the ceasefire feels precarious, resembling a pause rather than a resolution, with lingering fear of escalation. The interview also addresses the operational difficulties faced by Western NGOs in Iran, including suspicion from authorities, while emphasizing the critical need for ongoing psychological and material support for both Iranian citizens and refugee populations.
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