ICMCEUROPE WelcometoEurope.pdf (5.89 MB)

3. ASIA AND PACIFIC
3.1. Afghan refugees in Iran and
Pakistan
Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan
constitute the largest and most protracted
refugee population under
UNHCR’s mandate. Pakistan hosts
1,637,730 refugees, and Iran 824,087. 51
The majority have been resident in
both countries since fleeing the Soviet
War in Afghanistan during the 1980s.
Despite the success of voluntary repatriation
programmes both in Pakistan
and Iran, many Afghan refugees have
specific needs, vulnerabilities and protection
concerns that prevent their
return. In addition, the volatile security
situation and human rights violations
in Afghanistan remain an ongoing concern.
52 In May 2012, the governments
of Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and
UNHCR adopted the Solutions Strategy
for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). 53 The
SSAR outlines the need for increased
voluntary repatriation, but also for
enhanced resettlement as a means of
international responsibility sharing,
assistance to refugee affected and
hosting areas (RAH) and alternative stay
arrangements for refugees in Pakistan.
Resettlement is considered to be a
strategic component of the SSAR and a
vital tool for maintaining adequate protection
space.
51 Source: UNHCR. As of March 2013
52 UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2013
53 Source: UNHCR & 2013 ATCR
57
3.1.1. Afghan refugees in Pakistan
Pakistan is not a signatory to the 1951
Convention or the 1967 Protocol. The
temporary stay of registered Afghan
refugees in Pakistan is regularised by
means of Proof of Registration cards,
all of which expired on 31 December
2012. 54 The Pakistani government
extended their right to stay for an additional
6 months until the end of June
2013, and in July 2013 announced a
further extension.
In Pakistan, 36% of the Afghan refugee
population lives in refugee camps –
known locally as ‘refugee villages’- and
63% in urban settings. 55 In addition to
the 1.7 million refugees registered with
the government, it is estimated that
a further one million undocumented
Afghans live in the country. 85.1% of
the Afghans in Pakistan are Pashtun,
and the remainder are Tajiks, Uzbeks
among others. 56 One of the most
vulnerable Afghan refugee groups is
the ethnic Hazara, who face targeted
killings and persecution by the Taliban
and anti-Shia factions in Afghanistan.
For the Hazara, and for other Afghan
refugee groups, voluntary repatriation
is therefore not a viable durable
solution.
54 The tripartite agreement between UNHCR and
the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan,
which grants refugees an official refugee status in
Afghanistan was supposed to come to an end on 31
December 2012.
55 Source: UNHCR & 2013 ATCR
56 UNHCR, International Conference on the Solutions
Strategy for Afghan Refugees, to support Voluntary
Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and
Assistance to Host Countries, May 2012
CHAPTER VI CHAPTER V
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER VII