UNHCR, Pakistan pay tribute to resilience of displaced people

ISLAMABAD, Jun 20 (DNA): UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Government
of Pakistan marked, World Refugee Day by paying tribute to the
resilience and courage of people who are displaced due to conflict or
persecution across the world.

World Refugee Day is marked on 20 June every year, aimed at raising
awareness of the plight of displaced people as well as to honour their
resilience.

According to UNHCR’s flagship annual report, the number of people
displaced by war, persecution, violence, and human rights abuses stood
at a record 108.4 million, up 19.1 million from a year earlier, which
was the biggest ever increase.

The trend witnessed an increase in displacement in 2023, pushing the
global total to an estimated 110 million by May 2023. More than 1 in 74
people worldwide remained forcibly displaced.

The number of refugees hosted in Asia and the Pacific region rose from
4.2 million in 2021 to 6.8 million by the end of 2022, nearly 20 percent
of the global total. Over 90 percent of all refugees in the region are
hosted in just three countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan,
and Bangladesh.

This year’s theme is “Hope away from home”. In Islamabad, government
officials, heads of diplomatic missions NGOs and UN agencies, partners’
staff, and many refugees joined UNHCR in marking World Refugee Day.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar was
the chief guest on the occasion. Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugee
Mr. Abbas Khan was also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, Ms. Noriko
Yoshida paid rich tribute to the resilience of refugees and the
generosity of host communities that provides shelter, and protection for
refugees as well as giving them access to education and healthcare.

“World Refugee Day is a time to recognize the generosity of host
countries who have kept their borders and hearts open to people in need
of protection,” she said, adding Pakistan’s solidarity for over four
decades, is an example of commitment to protecting the rights of 1.3
million Afghan and other refugees and giving hope away from home. “We
hope that Pakistan will continue to show its generosity and hospitality
towards the refugees  in Pakistan,” she said.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar expressed
concern over the increasing numbers of displaced people across the world
saying the growing number of displacements globally is adversely
affecting Pakistan, which has been hosting the world’s largest
protracted refugee population.

“Amid our own financial challenges, we have opened our doors to Afghan
and other refugees, however, the international community must come
forward to play their role as part of responsibility sharing,” she said.

Voluntary return of Afghans in safety and dignity is the preferred
solution for Pakistan,” she said adding continuous support should be
provided to the returning families in Afghanistan so that the return is
sustainable.

Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Mr. Abbas Khan, UN
Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, Mr. Julien Harneis also
spoke on the occasion. At the event, Afghan refugee children presented a
cultural performance. An art exhibition and handmade products made by
refugees were also put on display.

In Balochistan, UNHCR arranged several activities to raise awareness
about refugees. An event was organized in Quetta, which was attended by
representatives from the UN, the government and other partners.
Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar was the chief guest at the
occasion. Refugee children presented traditional performances. Refugee
artisans also displayed their work at the event.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNHCR and its partner organizations organized
different events in connection with World Refugee Day. An exhibition to
showcase a range of colors of Afghan culture including art and crafts,
music and literature, jewelry and embroidery work, and traditional food
was also organized.