ISLAMABAD, June 20: Like other countries, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) observed World Refugee Day in Pakistan on Friday. The event, being marked under the theme of “Protection” this year, highlights the plight of refugees, endeavours for durable solutions for millions of world’s forcibly uprooted people, and acknowledges contributions made by countries like Pakistan in hosting and protecting millions of refugees despite its socio-economic and political constraints.

“Pakistans support extending over three decades of hospitality to the asylum seekers generally and particularly to Afghan refugees, transcends all great examples of refugee hosting in the world,” said Ms Guenet Guebre-Christos, UNHCR’s country representative.

“UNHCR and the world community remain indebted to the people and the government of Pakistan for their continued involvement in a protracted humanitarian issue,” she added.

According to a 2007 UNHCR survey, depicting figures from more than 150 countries, Pakistan stood as the leading country for generously hosting nearly 2 million registered Afghans on its soil. Afghans were recognised as the largest caseload of forcibly uprooted people in the world, with around three million residing in Pakistan and Iran.

More than 40 per cent of the registered Afghans in Pakistan live in 84 refugee villages, while the rest resides outside. A majority of the population consists of women, children and the elderly.

The survey also shows an upward trend in global refugee and internally displaced people numbers largely due to the Iraq conflict.

The number of refugees under UNHCR’s responsibility in 2007 rose from 9.9 million to 11.4 million worldwide. In all, the number of people of concern to UNHCR – including refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), asylum seekers, stateless people, returned refugees and returned IDPs – has reached 31.7 million.

Since 2002, some 3.3 million Afghans have returned home from Pakistan under the UNHCR-assisted voluntary repatriation programme, including 150,000 returning so far in 2008.

“UNHCR, with its partners in Pakistan, is looking for ways to help rehabilitate the areas that were affected by the long stay of Afghans,” said Ms Guebre-Christos.

“Certainly, the world can never compensate for the generosity and the hospitality extended to its Afghan brothers and sisters. However, we are looking into ways to share the burden of the local communities. We reaffirm our full engagement and commitment to Pakistan and its people in their effort to manage the displacement of Afghans.”

UNHCR, under the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) initiative, has helped the Mardan district and the Loralai district to upgrade health facilities for local communities.

Studies have been completed in other selected districts to help upgrade basic facilities that cater to both Pakistanis and Afghans. 0The UN Refugee Agency focuses on protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, including ensuring that those fleeing violence and persecution are given access to safety and life saving assistance, as well as long-term support during exile and eventual durable solution.