UNHCR vows better environment for IDPs, returnees

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday said it was working to provide a better environment for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returning refugees in Afghanistan.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi wrote on his Twitter account that Kelly Clements, UNHCR Deputy Chief, met with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, Deputy Foreign Minister.

During the meeting, Kelly Clements said that the UN refugee agency wanted to create a conducive environment for IDPs and returning refugees and to achieve this goal, the agency would increase its efforts and staff.

She added that refugee issues would be raised during trips to host countries and in trilateral meetings.

Stanekzai said that the government intended to prevent further migration and to pave the way for return of former refugees.

He added: "Decades of war, unemployment, banking and economic sanctions have made this task more difficult and we need international assistance in this regard."

Stanekzai assured the UNHCR of government’s cooperation and called on the agency to cooperate with Afghanistan in resolving the refugee problem.

ma