ISLAMABAD: The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) praised Pakistan on Thursday for its enduring hospitality towards Afghan refugees spanning over four decades, urging global solidarity and burden-sharing to safeguard those seeking refuge.
World Refugee Day in Islamabad celebrated the resilience and bravery of refugees, with UNHCR stressing the imperative of international cooperation as Pakistan navigates its own challenges.
Highlighting a global figure of 120 million forcibly displaced persons as of May 2024, including 43 million refugees, the agency underscored the plight of 40 percent who are children under 17, emphasizing the profound impact on young lives.
The event, themed “Solidarity with and Solutions for Refugees” in 2024, drew Federal Minister for SAFRON Amir Muqam, UNHCR’s National Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan, and various officials and civil society members.
Philippa Candler, UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, voiced concern over escalating displacement and hailed Afghan refugees’ resilience.
She urged stakeholders to adopt a more predictable refugee management policy and demonstrate compassion for those compelled to flee, stressing the significance of every action in refugee protection.
Minister Amir Muqam highlighted Pakistan’s financial strains from hosting Afghan refugees and stressed ongoing international assistance amid waning global attention.
UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan called for renewed collective efforts to support refugees, urging comprehensive measures to ensure safety, dignity, and a stable home for every displaced person.
