ISLAMABAD – Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and United Nations HighCommissioner for Refugees have agreed to take forward the strategy forvoluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The agreement was reached at an informal session of informal Quadripartitemeeting at Geneva on the sidelines of 70th session of Executive Committeeof the High Commissioner’s Programme.
It was observed that the shortcomings that still exist in management ofAfghan refugees and their gradual and voluntary repatriation should beplugged.
The meeting also agreed in principle for “Support Platform” that wouldinclude additional players, expected to contribute to this cause for boththe host and home countries.
The session was attended by Minister for SAFRON & Narcotics ControlShehryar Khan Afridi, Iran’s Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli,Afghan Minister for Refugees and Repatriation Syed Hussain Alemi Balkhi,and UNHCR Regional Director.
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Speaking in the meeting, Shehryar Afridi elaborated Pakistan’s immensecontribution in all fields in hosting the Afghan refugees.
Hussain Alemi Balkhi said they support the return of all Afghan refugeesand their reintegration in their homeland.
Iran’s Interior minister said only words and commitments are not enough andsome practical and bold steps are required to ensure return of refugees.
