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PAKISTAN
PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
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Statement by
Lt. General Abdul Quadir Baloch
Minister for States and Frontier Regions
(SAFRON)
64th Session of the Executive Committee
(EXCOM) of the UNHCR
Geneva, 01 October, 2013
Statement by Lt. General Abdul Quadir Baloch
Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON)
64th Session of the Executive Committee
(EXCOM) of the UNHCR
Geneva, 01 October, 2013
Madam Chairperson,
UN High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates
Madam Chairperson,
Pakistan continues to host one of the largest refugee population in the
world. As I speak, over 3 million registered and un-registered Afghans are
being hosted by the people of Pakistan now for over three decades. In keeping
with our rich religious, cultural and traditional hospitality and in accordance
with international norms and commitments Pakistanis have provided refuge to
our Afghan neighbors.
I want the international community to understand that Pakistan alone is
not responsible to host Afghan refugees. It was, and is, and needs to be
understood, an international refugee problem and, we must all assume our
responsibilities to seek its solution, as we are doing for the past 33 years. I
urge international community to commit to make urgent and concrete efforts
to repatriate Afghans to their homeland, as voluntary repatriation is the only
solution for this protracted problem.
Madam Chairperson,
Ever since assumption of power by the present government, we have
given renewed impetus to our efforts towards resolution of this problem.
Repatriation of Afghans to their homeland remains a priority on our agenda
and we are willing to make sustained and focused efforts to achieve this
objective. We have formulated a broad based policy for Afghan refugees. I
visited Kabul, and made important deliberations to accord the much needed
focus to this issue. My Government has re-extended temporary stay of Afghan
refugees on its soil till 31st December, 2015. We have also signed Tripartite
Agreement on voluntary repatriation for same validity. My government wants
an early repatriation of Afghan refugees and a consistent support for host
communities which are overstretched by large scale and long time presence of
Afghan refugees in Pakistan. We sincerely believe that return of Afghans must
be an integral part of any overall political settlement of the Afghan situation
and all international efforts must address this question. Accordingly, we feel
necessary to make all out efforts to achieve the objective of repatriation by the
Cabinet approved deadline of 31st December 2015.
The Cabinet Decision reflects desire of people who because of their own
socio-economic problems and hosting-fatigue stretched over 33 years are
finding it extremely difficult to share jobs and resources with refugees. I am
afraid if we continued to turn a blind eye to their demand, they might start
protesting.
The impact of refugees’ presence on our economy has also been
phenomenal. Let me share with you that due to refugees prolonged presence in
Pakistan, we have suffered a tremendous loss of over 200 Billion USD. I
listened very carefully to the remarks of the High Commissioner when he
spoke about impact on needs of the refugees as well as on the infrastructure of
neighboring countries hosting Syria. I have also seen the Statement that we
adopted this morning. One thing that struck me is, while we have agreed to
provide direct aid to governments or provide financial and in kind assistance
to host governments in case of Syria, the same should be done in case of
Afghan refugees. I wish to particularly share with you that we have a feeling
that Afghan refugee is a forgotten problem which is left on our shoulders alone
to deal with. So can’t we give same attention to Afghan refugee problem? Is it
really forgotten, if not, then when are we going to adopt such clear, robust and
burden-sharing measures for Afghan refugee problem as well. Let me
acknowledge and thank High Commissioner for mention of Afghan refugee
problem in his opening speech.
I wish to emphasize that no matter what my Government or UNHCR do,
we will not succeed till you, as international community, help us. We expect
the International Community to also come forth and honor it’s commitments
towards Afghan Refugee problem. We have worked out Solutions Strategy for
Afghan refugees but concrete support is still awaited. We feel that political
support and financial contributions are essential both to support host
communities and to help Afghans go back to their homeland.
Slow pace of development in high return areas and lack of international
efforts towards creation of pull factors in Afghanistan is a key concern for us. I
am sure we will be able to share our concerns in more details during our
consultation session on 2nd October. We must all understand that solution to
the protracted Afghan refugee situation lies in Afghanistan during 2014. We
eagerly await a much needed peaceful election and transition subsequent to
the withdrawal of ISAF.
Madam Chairperson,
Afghans are a resilient nation. They have proven it beyond any doubt
over the last three decades. We assure our full support to Afghanistan. A stable
and prosperous Afghanistan is in our national interest as well as regional and
global interests. We must all, therefore, make every effort to support the
transition in Afghanistan. At the same time, the likely challenges ahead must
be recognized and effective support and assistance must be forthcoming for
planning and particularly implementation on the ground. More needs to be
done in Afghanistan. Concerted efforts of the International Community are
required to ensure rehabilitation and development to achieve the much needed
conducive environment and pull factors for sustainable reintegration.
Madam Chairperson, Distinguished Delegates,
The International Community and UNHCR in particular need to
intensify and strengthen the pace of work in high return areas with clear goals
and timelines.
May I conclude with our continuing resolve that Pakistan shall continue
to remain an active member of the International Community to address the
issues that relate to refugees. May I also thank the International Community
and UNHCR, particularly you, Mr. High Commissioner for your support and
cooperation extended to us in looking after the world’s largest refugee
population.
Thank you Madam Chairperson.