ISLAMABAD: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has praised the people and government of Pakistan for accepting Afghan refugees for four decades and called on them to protect those seeking safety in Pakistan.
The United Nations has agreed with the ICRC that as Pakistan faces its own challenges, our country’s generosity must be matched by sharing international responsibilities.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the world. It is held every year and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their countries to escape conflict or persecution. Global forced displacement will reach 120 million by May 2024, of which 43 million are refugees, according to the UN’s flagship global trends report.
Unfortunately, approximately 40 percent of those displaced are children 17 years of age or younger, showing the impact on the lives of young people.
In honor of the refugees and thanks to
the cleanliness of the host community, an event was held in Islamabad reflecting the 2024 global theme of ‘Refugee Solidarity and Solutions’.
The event was attended by SAFRON Federal Minister Amir Muqam, UNFCCC National Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan and other government and civil society members.
Philippa Kandler, the UN representative in Pakistan, expressed her concern at the number of people being forcibly displaced from their homes around the world and praised their resilience. “I am inspired by the many Afghan refugees I met in Pakistan, whose strength, passion and determination are an example to us all.”
The representative asked all stakeholders to implement a more regular and predictable refugee management policy, to show compassion to those forced to flee and to take into account their situation. “We can all do more to show solidarity with refugees. “There are very few measures to welcome refugees into your society or protect them.”
The federal minister highlighted Pakistan’s financial difficulties in accepting Afghan citizens in the country and expressed generous support from the international community. However, he said, international attention is waning and solidarity must continue.
Mahira Khan, the wonderful UN Ambassador, called for a new pledge to stand with the refugees. “Let’s make sure that every displaced person has safety, dignity and a place to call home.”
