Implementation Of Solutions Strategy For Afghan Refugees Discussed

Tehran, Sept 22, IRNA - The governments of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan and the UN Refugee Agency met in Islamabad on September 18-19, 2013 to discuss the implementation of the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). In the third meeting of the regional Quadripartite Steering Committee, hosted by Pakistan, delegates from the three countries and UNHCR discussed ways and means for establishing stronger cooperation and partnership with the international community to resolve the protracted Afghan refugee situation, as well as ways of conducting joint resource mobilization. Updates on progress and challenges in implementing the SSAR were presented and various approaches on how to jointly mobilize resources for the implementation of the Regional Strategy stressing the need for engaging more donors in order to benefit the maximum number of refugees, returnees and host communities were discussed, a news release issued by the UNHCR said. Endorsed in Geneva at an international conference in May 2012, the overall purpose of the SSAR is to support the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees, their sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan, and provide assistance to the key host countries of Iran and Pakistan, including increases in third country resettlement. While it has been agreed that the preferred solution for refugees remains dignified voluntary return, it was acknowledged that voluntary repatriation of refugees could only be sustainable when conditions inside Afghanistan are conducive for reintegration. “More funds and rigorous efforts are required to achieve the SSAR goals, which include improving services especially in the areas of education and livelihood, so that more refugees can return and start a new life,” the participants agreed. Baloch, The SAFRON Minister of Pakistan reassured participants about Pakistan’s lasting commitment to the principle of voluntary and dignified return of Afghan refugees in accordance with international norms. He also highlighted the importance of the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) initiative which has so far benefited close to four million Pakistanis and Afghans in Pakistan and urged the international community to invest more to implement SSAR, in particular in making a conducive environment. Anwary, Minister for Return and Repatriation of Afghanistan hailed the governments of Iran and Pakistan for their long-term support and hosting of Afghan refugees. He noted that more developmental assistance is required to make a real impact and enable the sustainable reintegration of Afghans. He informed the forum that the Afghan government administers five National Priority Programs (National Solidarity Program; National Area-Base Development Program; National Rural Access Program; Rural Water Supply, Sanitation & Irrigation Program; and the Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program), with coverage across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. “In situations where national development programs cannot cover all the needs of returnees, UN agencies and other development actors must do more to fill the gaps,” he added. Kazemi, Director General of the Bureau for Aliens & Foreign Immigrants Affairs of the Ministry of Interior of Iran stated that the dignified return of Afghan refugees remains the preferred solution, yet hoped that challenges such as the lack of shelter, job opportunities, educational and health facilities in Afghanistan could be addressed through sharing costs and responsibilities for SSAR projects, specifically targeting areas of high return. He added: There should also be more support from the international community and strong partnership between UN agencies and NGOs for voluntary repatriation and implementation of projects in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ms Dell, Asia Bureau Director of UNHCR Headquarters expressed gratitude to the three governments for their commitment to solutions for Afghan refugees and reiterated the United Nations’ ongoing willingness to assist governments in the implementation of the strategy. She stressed that a regional approach remains the best framework to meet the significant challenges faced by the three governments and UNHCR in seeking an end to the world’s largest and most protracted refugee situation, especially at a time when other humanitarian crises demand additional donor support./end