Speaking at a ceremony marking World Habitat Day at the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development on Monday, Jalalzadeh termed adequate housing more than shelter, calling it essential for public safety and health.
Referring to international humanitarian law, he stressed that protecting residential areas and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts is a fundamental principle.
The official condemned recent acts of aggression and described attacks on schools and medical centers as clear violations of human rights, calling on international organizations to address the humanitarian crisis.
Jalalzadeh also highlighted Iran’s progress in urban resilience and rural development despite imposed sanctions and wars.
Access to modern technologies and long-term financing requires broader cooperation with friendly countries and specialized organizations, including the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), he added.
World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year, and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
