"The international community must act immediately to prevent further human suffering as tensions escalate in the Islamic Republic of Iran and across the Middle East region and beyond, where already fragile displacement situations risk deteriorating further," said Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a press statement published March 2.

IOM's operational team is on the ground and closely monitoring displacement developments in Iran and across the region, the UN agency stated, adding that its staff is on standby to respond and deliver "lifesaving assistance and protection" if needed.

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Over 16 million internally displaced persons in the Middle East

"Military escalation would force more families from their homes, and hit civilians hard," said DG Pope.

The IOM stressed that across the Middle East region, more than 16 million people are already living in internal displacement due to conflict, violence, and disasters.

Appeal for de-escalation and increased funding

The IOM said it joins the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for restraint and urgent de-escalation to prevent further humanitarian consequences.

The agency also reiterated its calls on donors to scale up funding, including critical support in key countries affected by funding cuts.

"Civilians, including migrants and displaced people, must be protected at all times, and international humanitarian law must be fully respected."

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