PESHAWAR: The German government has established ‘Safe Spaces’ at two refugee villages in Peshawar and Charsadda, where Afghan refugees facing discrimination and harassment will be provided shelter and counselling.

Commissioner for Afghan Refugees (CAR) Abbas Khan, First Secretary (Development Cooperation) at the German Embassy, Islamabad, Antonia Peters and head of Social Support for Vulnerable Afghan Refugees and Host Communities project Heidi Hermann inaugurated the facilities in Naguman area of Peshawar and Hajizai in Charsadda district, according to an official statement issued here on Tuesday.

Commissioner CAR Abbas Khan appreciated the efforts of the German government and praised development cooperation between the two countries.

Germany sets up shelters, counselling facilities in Peshawar, Charsadda

He said the establishment of Safe Spaces was another step forward in the Pak-German development cooperation and it would provide a platform to the members of the Afghan refugees and host communities to have an open communication and dialogue and discuss ideas.

“These facilities will serve as platforms for attending training, awareness session, sports, and cultural events with an aim to exchange and learn as well as to have a peaceful existence thus strengthening social cohesion between both the communities,” he said.

Mr Abbas said Germany and Pakistan had strong relations when it came to the development of vulnerable communities such as Afghan refugees and host communities, and they were very successful and sustainable due to the inclusion of government agencies and communities in the planning and implementation of the activities.

Antonia Peters said the cooperation between Germany and Pakistan had entered seventh decade and that Germany.

She said Safe Spaces were very important for women, children and youth to have a platform to share information and knowledge, meet, and have exchanges in a protected environment, and for organising events.

“Safe Spaces will serve as a connector between Afghan refugees and host communities,” she said.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2021