IEA urges global support for Afghan refugees

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has called on the United Nations, the European Union and other international institutions to pay special attention to the issue of Afghan refugees.

The caretaker government also said Afghan refugees’ rights should not be trampled upon due to unjust decisions made by neighbouring countries, and that they should not suffer oppression or injustice.

On the other hand, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says discussions are ongoing with Iran and Pakistan to prevent the forcible expulsion of Afghan refugees and ensure their return in an organised manner.

In a statement, the Presidential Palace said a meeting of the High Commission for Addressing Refugee Issues was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi on Sunday.

At the meeting, discussions were held on ways to better address the issues of refugees. The participants asked all committees involved in resolving refugee issues to accelerate their activities to ensure quicker services.

The meeting urged neighbouring countries to avoid the abrupt and forced expulsion of Afghan refugees, to bring the services provided to refugees to positive conclusion and to coordinate efforts for the safe return of Afghans to their country through a joint mechanism.

The commission called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the UN, the EU and other international bodies to pay special attention to the problems of Afghan refugees, so that their rights were not violated.

The international organisations were urged to work with host countries to ensure a proper process for the safe return of refugees, following a special mechanism.

The IEA has taken serious steps to address refugee issues. It has promised continued use of available resources to serve them, making every effort to ensure all Afghans live peacefully in their own country.

This comes at a time when reports have surfaced again regarding the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan.

Additionally, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced Irfan Jamal, the head of UNHCR in Afghanistan, met the acting minister, Maulvi Abdul Kabir.

The two sides discussed ways to assist Afghan refugees and resolve their issues. Irfan Jamal promised assistance to refugees would continue.

He said the UNHCR was working with Iranian and Pakistani authorities to prevent any disorganised repatriation of refugees.

Jamal also stressed the importance of organising trilateral and quadrilateral meetings to resolve the issues of Afghan refugees. He underlined the need for cooperation from all sides.

Maulvi Kabir stated the assistance provided by the UN to Afghan refugees was crucial and assured the aid from the UNHCR to the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR) would be delivered transparently.

sa/mud