Japanese Ambassador Matsuda Kuninori announced that the Japanese government will contribute $3.7 million to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) programmes and activities for Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan.

The announcement was made at a ceremony where the ambassador and UNHCR representative Noriko Yoshida signed an agreement.

Ambassador Matsuda said: “Acquiring education and vocational skills is vital for the social inclusion of Afghan refugees. In this project, we will continue to provide financial support, which will greatly contribute to the stability and peace of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Peace and stability are the precondition for achieving voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan.”

Ms Yoshida thanked the people and government of Japan for their generosity towards refugees and host communities.

She said: “This funding will go a long way towards empowering young refugees and Pakistanis through skills development and education.”

Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Saleem Khan said Japan has always played its part in supporting humanitarian efforts in Pakistan, adding the country has been hosting Afghan refugees for over 40 years. He called on the international community to step up their support for refugee-hosting countries.

The three-year project will focus on education, livelihood assistance and community structures in the provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, benefitting over 240,000 individuals.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2021