Respect refugee rights, Kabir tells host nations

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation Maulvi Abdul Kabir has urged host countries to treat Afghan refugees with dignity and end violence against them.

He issued the call at a gathering, organised in Kabul on Tuesday in honour of businessmen and investors for their contributions to assisting refugees and the poor.

While appreciating efforts of Afghan investors and businessmen in various sectors, Kabir emphasised that assistance from wealthy individuals and the public played a crucial role in supporting refugees and those in need.

He reaffirmed economic development and job creation remained priorities for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), which was making efforts to improve living conditions for vulnerable communities.

Kabir also reiterated his call for host countries to respect the rights of Afghan refugees and end all forms of violence against them.

Expressing support for businessmen and investors, he assured their aid would be delivered transparently to the needy and deserving people.

Businessmen and representatives of charitable organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for refugees and the needy.

The participants noted since the re-establishment of IEA, there had been a greater reliance on domestic resources and capabilities.

They said the private sector was committed, in collaboration with the government, to creating job opportunities for returning refugees and utilising their skills and expertise.

Maulvi Kabir’s remarks come at a time when cases of harassment and arrests of Afghan refugees have increased in Pakistan and Iran.

kk/mud