Iran is facing a significant crisis with slums and marginalized populations, particularly in major cities. A substantial portion of the population is living in informal settlements due to factors like drought and economic hardship. The lack of resources in rural areas drives migration to cities, exacerbating housing issues and increasing crime rates. A dramatic rise in the marginalized population is leading to severe social consequences for many families.
The Iranian regime’s Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development has raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions of slums in significant urban centers like Tehran, Mashhad, and Bandar Abbas. Abdolreza Golpaygani, CEO of the Urban Regeneration Company, reported that around 6.5 to 7 percent of the Iranian population lives in slums, with some experts suggesting this figure could be much higher.
Golpaygani identified key factors leading to slum formation, including severe informal settlements, particularly in areas such as Khorasan Razavi, Hormozgan, and Tehran. These regions are experiencing critical crises due to a combination of environmental and socio-economic challenges, including internal migration caused by persistent droughts and insufficient living conditions in rural areas.
The migration towards urban centers is aggravated by rising housing costs, pushing many into marginalized living conditions. The former Ministry of Energy official Mohammad Ali Mostafavi noted a staggering increase in Iran’s marginalized population, which has risen dramatically from 600,000 to over 25 million in just 35 years.
Environmental degradation, particularly in eastern Iran, coupled with the housing crisis in large cities, has intensified this problem. The combination of inadequate opportunities and the population influx has resulted in the escalation of urban slum conditions, fostering further marginalization.
Recent years have seen an increase in land subsidence and other environmental issues, leading many displaced residents to seek refuge in already overcrowded areas. With limited educational and healthcare facilities outside urban centers, many have no option but to migrate to cities, contributing to unplanned urbanization and greater inequality in resource access.
The rise of slums has brought about a marked increase in crime rates, with many areas becoming hotspots for illegal activities. Weak social networks, cultural divisions, and minimal law enforcement presence have further exacerbated the crime situation, making these neighborhoods volatile and unsafe.
Marginalization now stands as one of the most urgent social issues facing Iran, progressing annually amid economic declines and increasing poverty. Individuals residing in informal settlements often lack access to even essential resources, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and social exclusion.
The regime’s failure to support rural livelihoods has led to considerable rural depopulation, with only 38,000 of Iran’s 69,000 villages still inhabited as of November 2024. This demographic shift has reversed the previous distribution of the population, with 70% formerly residing in villages now shifting to urban areas.
Concern over public safety is growing as slum populations rise, amplifying vulnerability to natural disasters due to precarious living conditions. Estimates indicate around 900,000 children aged 6 to 18 are out of school in Iran, correlating with increased child labor and rising social issues like drug addiction and crime among youth.
Given the current economic decline, the Iranian regime appears ill-equipped to tackle the ongoing marginalization crisis effectively. Unless significant reforms are implemented to enhance rural infrastructure, create job opportunities, and provide affordable housing, worsening conditions for millions living in poverty and exclusion seem inevitable.
The marginalization crisis in Iran is a multifaceted issue characterized by rising slum populations and increasing socio-economic challenges. Key drivers include internal migration, environmental degradation, and inadequate public services. Without systemic reforms, such as improved infrastructure and job creation, the crisis is likely to intensify, further entrenching millions in poverty.
Original Source: irannewsupdate.com
