The International Organization for Migration warns of a massive wave of displacement if the war in Iran escalates.
The International Organization for Migration, part of the United Nations, warned of the possibility of a new refugee crisis in Europe due to the ongoing war in Iran, noting that developments in the conflict could drive large numbers of people to flee in a short period if military escalation continues or expands.
According to the Austrian news agency APA, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope, stated that the experience of the war in Ukraine has shown how quickly waves of displacement can develop, as millions of people were able to cross borders in just a few days.
Pope stated that conflicts near Europe require close monitoring of population movements, noting that the organization is currently tracking cases of displacement within Iran, where some residents are leaving major cities and heading to other areas or to the homes of relatives within the country.
She added that the crucial factor in determining whether displacement waves will head abroad depends on several factors, including the continuation or expansion of the war, as well as the likelihood of targeting civilian infrastructure, which are factors that often lead to increased migration across borders.
The head of the organization urged European governments to prepare for various potential scenarios by putting in place early emergency plans, emphasizing the importance of coordination with neighboring countries to Iran, such as Turkey, which may receive the first waves of refugees in the event of a worsening crisis.
In contrast, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt pointed out that there are currently no indications of additional asylum movements from Iran towards Germany. EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner also confirmed that the European Commission has not yet observed any significant increase in crossing movements at Iran's external borders.
Brunner explained that he held discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who confirmed that Turkey has closed its borders towards Iran, emphasizing the continued cooperation between the European Union and Turkey in managing the migration issue, with a mutual desire to enhance this cooperation.
In a broader context, Pope emphasized that the world is facing demographic shifts and increasing crises that require a rethink of immigration policies, stating that the countries that will succeed in the future are those that create systems allowing for safe and legal movement of people.
It was pointed out that communities suffering from population aging need to attract talents from around the world to maintain their competitiveness, emphasizing that highly skilled migrants choose countries that provide an open environment and better economic opportunities.
It was also pointed out that the International Organization for Migration has recently had to reduce some of its activities due to a lack of funding, after contributions from several member states of the United Nations declined, especially after the freezing of some American funding during President Donald Trump's administration.