The work of Caritas Italy in Iran has its origins in emergency relief after the 1990 earthquake in Roudbar and the earthquakes in Bam (2003), Kerman province and Qeshm Island (2005) and Lorestan province (2006).

Paid Staff	200
Volunteers	<2,000

In each case, after the immediate relief phase during which food and hygiene kits were distributed, Caritas Italy and other Caritas organizations and international agencies undertook longer-term projects to provide water and sanitation, winter clothing, school materials and medical services, particularly for people injured in the earthquakes.

With government and non-governmental organization partners, Caritas Italy also developed community mobilization programmes to enable villages to resume their normal lives. Schools and other buildings were repaired and rebuilt, permanent sanitation facilities were established and people were supported in setting up income-generating activities. An important feature of all this work was the emphasis on individual dignity and self-sufficiency for the people in the areas affected.

Programmes

The work of Caritas Italy and its government and non-governmental organization partners in Iran can be summarized as follows:

Emergency operations	Long-term programmes
Food distribution	Healthcare – nursing, physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Hygiene items	Community mobilization
Medical assistance	Construction – schools, hygiene facilities, homes for the disabled, other facilities
Post-emergency activities	Professional rehabilitation
Drinking water distribution	Winterization
Water tanks for families and schools	Education support
Winter clothing distribution	Support for the needy
School items for children