ISLAMABAD: The government of Japan has pledged a contribution of $2.7 million to support Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan.

Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Takashi Kurai and UNHCR’s Country Representative in Pakistan Ruvendrini Menikdiwela signed the agreement with Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Saleem Khan in attendance at a ceremony held here on Wednesday.

The ambassador expressed the hope that the Japanese aid would be fully utilised for the future of Afghan refugees and host communities, especially young generations, and mitigate the burden of host communities, says a statement issued here by Japan’s embassy.

He said that Japan highly appreciated efforts made by the Pakistani people for accommodating Afghan refugees for nearly four decades.

Ruvendrini Menikdiwela praised the people and government of Japan for the contribution and said it would allow UNHCR to continue support Afghan refugees and youth of the Pakistani host communities.

“Such support will have a positive impact on the lives of Afghan refugees and allow them to have access to better healthcare services, livelihood opportunities, as well as legal support,” Menikdiwela said.

The aid will support UNHCR’s interventions in the areas of health and livelihood, besides providing legal support to around 1.39 million registered Afghan refugees. The new funding will benefit some 475,000 Afghan refugees and youth in the host communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab.

Part of Japan’s aid will be invested in the health sector to improve access to healthcare services in Pakistan. This will support around 430,000 Afghan refugees with health issues.

The UNHCR aid and legal advice programme is implemented through partners in nine centres in the main refugee-hosting areas across the country. The new funding will support 45,000 Afghan refugees and help continue provision of free legal advice and legal aid, as well as court representation for refugees who have been detained.

In addition, Japan’s financial help will be spent on bolstering refugees’ self-reliance. UNHCR will provide livelihood support to Afghan refugee youth and Pakistani youth through vocational and technical skills training.

Published in Dawn, October 4th , 2018