Keeping a final promise

A recent assistance case handled by AIA – Anubis International Assistance, part of the Anubis Global Help (AGH) group – illustrates how long-standing relationships and human commitment can make a difference when circumstances become complex.

Earlier this year, Anubis was contacted following the death of an Iranian woman in Tehran. Her name, perhaps surprisingly, was Iran. During her lifetime, she had clearly expressed the wish that after her passing she would be reunited with her husband and one of her daughters, both buried in France. Her only personal connection with France was this family bond, as she herself was neither of French origin nor a resident of the country.

Her second daughter, who lives in the UK, was aware of this final wish. Determined to honour her mother’s wishes despite obstacles, she began searching for a way to organise the repatriation.

Before contacting Anubis, she had already explored several options with providers outside France. Despite these efforts, no workable solution could be identified in such a sensitive context.

Official documents were issued in Persian and required verification and translation

Challenges

The situation was far from simple. Administrative procedures, international regulations governing the transport of human remains, and escalating geopolitical tensions in the region made the process particularly complex.

One of the key factors that enabled rapid mobilisation was our long-standing relationship with a trusted reference contact in Iran. Having known the Anubis team and the scope of its activities for many years, this contact became an essential point of coordination.

As the regional situation continued to evolve, it became clear that time was of the essence. The Anubis team therefore mobilised its trusted contacts and operational partners to implement a solution that was both viable and supportive, while ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations.

Another complexity concerned the family burial site in France, which was already full. Several options therefore had to be considered. Cremation was examined as a possible solution that would allow the family’s wish for reunification to be respected. Creating space in the existing grave would also have required additional procedures and specific authorisations from the French authorities.

Documentation also presented challenges. Official documents were issued in Persian and required verification and translation to comply with funeral transport requirements.

The question of payment for the local provider also proved sensitive. Financial restrictions linked to long-standing international sanctions can complicate certain transactions when they might be interpreted as commercial activities. A compliant solution therefore had to be identified so that the operation could be made within a strictly humanitarian framework.

As the family could not travel to France for the farewell ceremony, they sent a photograph and several messages to be shared during the service

Coordination

Over more than two months, the various administrative, regulatory and logistical steps were progressively addressed. Each stage required careful attention: documentation, authorisations, preparation of the deceased and organisation of an appropriate international transport solution.

As the family could not travel to France for the farewell ceremony, they sent a photograph and several messages to be shared during the service. A streaming connection was arranged so they could attend and participate remotely in this final moment of remembrance.

The entire operation was conducted with the necessary authorisations from both Iranian and French authorities and in compliance with applicable international regulations. Although the specific field of international funeral assistance is not always recognised in certain regulatory frameworks, each step was carried out in respect of the rules in force.

Conclusion

For the Anubis team, this case remains particularly meaningful and one of which we are very proud. Beyond the technical, regulatory and diplomatic aspects, it illustrates how assistance ultimately relies on commitment and the determination to keep a final promise.

It was clear that waiting could mean losing the opportunity to fulfil the deceased’s wishes. The team chose to act fast. The objective was simple: to honour the will expressed during her lifetime.

That objective was achieved on 5 February 2026, with her arrival in France. Today she rests alongside her loved ones, and her daughter can move forward knowing that her mother’s final wishes have been respected.