On Monday 13 August 2023, UN-Habitat, Tehran team together with a team from Urban Regeneration Corporation of Iran (URCI), had a site visit in informal settlements of Alborz province. First, the 4^th Hesar Line in Karaj city including neighborhoods, an under-construction police station, a rescue and fire station as well as a health center were observed. The neighborhoods and a cultural center of Jafarabad, in Mohammadshahr were the second destinations from informal settlements in the south-west of Alborz province.

Besides, some officials, social activists, and locals provided explanations about the challenges and problems of the region and inhabitants regarding the lack of land use planning, public infrastructures, deeds of buildings and land, and public services. They also explained the activities with the aim of empowering women and youths who are heads of households, poor families, and delivering response to other needs of the community.

Considering the UN-Habitat mandates regarding social inclusion, risk reduction and rehabilitation of human settlements, urban infrastructure, legislation and governance, housing, and slum upgrading, this site visit was supposed to be an introduction for the further cooperation and joint programs between UNH and URCI and identification of a plan with priorities of UNH services and intervention based on a mutual understanding. Also, the visit was in line with the consultations for the implementation of the National Urban Policy (NUP) within the scope of the urban regeneration goal.

The news was also reflected in the MRUD official website here.