Get PDF brochure  (english) (farsi)
	" When the refugee has to stand around food bazaars until dark to collect rotten fruits and vegetables, just to combat hunger; when her/his mind is always preoccupied with rent, water and electricity bills, clothing and food; when s/he has to split six eggs and four potatoes for three meals; how can one expect such an overburdened and vulnerable refugee to become active in affecting her/his fate or the fate of the community. " Sulayman, Turkey " For a long time our only hope was to find a job and look forward for the help of a few friends. But then came a message of hope from the other side of the world. A message from the big hearts of kind and concerned people. ... Ah, I can't explain the light that this hope has brought to our dark nights. I can't explain the energy it has given us... Oh, my god, I didn't know that we had so many friends, feeling so lonely here! I wish you could see my tears of joy. I thank you dearly for remembering us and for your understanding. My little son is thankful too." From a mother refugees, Turkey Why The Fund? Because Turkey does not recognize non-Europeans as refugees, resettlement in a third country is the only option available to Iranian refugees who flee to Turkey in fear of political, social, religious or gender- based persecution. Turkish law requires Iranian asylum seekers to apply for “temporary asylum” immediately after their arrival. They are then given a certain period of time to seek resettlement in a third country with the help of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). To be resettled, a refugee must first be recognized by UNHCR, a process that is getting longer and more difficult every year. During this time, refugees receive no humanitarian assistance from UNHCR or the Turkish government. Nor are they permitted to work. The ever increasing inflation rate in Turkey (ranging from 65% to 90% since 1995), the additional costs of living for foreigners, application fees, etc. have had the most adverse effects on the lives of refugees whose income is nothing or sub-minimum. Financial assistance not only is a humanitarian act, but it also enables refugees to pursue their casework more efficiently and expedites their resettlement. The Fund's History The Support Fund for At-Risk Iranian Refugees in Turkey was established in 1993 to meet the basic needs of Iranian asylum seekers who otherwise would not have the necessary resources. The Fund started by assisting 10 families and since then has raised nearly $460,000.00 and supported more than 1,400 families. Even though we have continuously increased our budget and served more refugees, due to a drastic increase in the number of new asylum seekers since 1999, we have not been able to meet the needs of all our applicants. In 2002, the Fund's budget was nearly tripled from 1998 (from $28,217.00 to $75,350.00); yet it was still insufficient to help all of the 480+ families who applied for assistance. To cover the needs of the newcomers, we had to cut the stipends by one third. This allowed us to assist 435 families (1,140 refugees). Fewer families were helped from 2003 to 2005 due to insufficient funds. We hope that this year, your contributions will make it possible to support all of the Fund's applicants. Year end reports for the last nine years are as follows: 1994: $22, 650 1995: $50, 050 1996: $36, 045 1997: $25, 510 1998: $28, 217 1999: $31, 350 2000: $52, 440 2001: $58, 635 2002: $75, 350 2003: $32, 710 2004: $22, 000 2005: $16, 400 How The Fund Operates If we receive enough contributions we intend to support a single refugee with $35/month and a family refugee with $55 to $125/month. By pledging any of the above amounts or multiples of them you will make a significant economic and security improvement in each recipient’s life. If the above amounts are too costly we ask that you consider pledging as little as 50 cents a day ($15/month) or sending a one-time gift contribution. Support funds will be sent to Turkey every 3 months (starting Jan.). A detailed report of all contributions and the recipients is published quarterly. If you would like to make a long-term pledge, we prefer that your payments be quarterly. In any case, we will always inform you when pledge amounts are due. You also have the option to communicate with the refugee(s) that you support. We will respect anonymity if requested. PLEASE JOIN NOW: Please print the brochure, fill out the form on the back and send it to us with a gift or the first payment of your pledge. Please share this urgent request with other potential allies of at-risk Iranian refugees in Turkey. Every year, there are more new refugees who need urgent financial aid. As inflation rate soars in Turkey, our stipends should increase accordingly. Any contribution would make us that much more effective in assisting refugees. We hope that after reading this note you decide to join the Fund so that one or more refugees can have improved living and safety conditions. Get PDF brochure  (english) (farsi)
	L E A S E O I N O W: If you are interested in sponsoring refugees or making a contribution, please use the sponsorship form and along with your contribution mail it to our address. If you need more information please write to us or send us an email containing your mailing address. Please share this urgent request with other potential allies of at-risk Iranian refugees. Please make all contributions payable to IRA Inc. Iranian Refugees' Alliance is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by the law.

Iranian Refugees' Alliance, Inc.
Cooper Station P.O. Box 316 NewYork, NY 10276-0316 USA
phone/fax: 212. 260 7460 email:irainc@irainc.org
URL: http://www.irainc.org
Revised: Mar.2003