ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) called for solidarity and solutions for Afghan refugees, while appreciating the people and government of Pakistan for hosting Afghans for over four decades and urged protection of those seeking safety in the country.

UNHCR acknowledged that as Pakistan has been facing its own challenges, the country’s generosity must be matched with international responsibility-sharing.

These observations came on World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the UN to honour refugees around the globe. It was marked annually, and celebrated the strength and courage of people who had been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

This year’s theme, “Solidarity with and Solutions for Refugees” was marked by an event held in Islamabad to pay tribute to refugees and express appreciation for the enduring generosity of the communities hosting them.

According to UNHCR’s flagship global trends report, global forced displacement rose to 120 million by May 2024, of which approximately 43 million were refugees.

UNHCR maintained that alarmingly, about 40 percent of all displaced individuals were children aged 17 or under, underscoring the significant impact on young lives.

The event was attended by Federal Minister for SAFRON, Amir Muqam, UNHCR’s National Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan as well as other members of the government and civil society.

UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, Philippa Candler expressed concern over rising number of forcefully displaced people worldwide and paid tribute to their resilience. “I am inspired by many Afghan refugees I have met in Pakistan, whose strength, ambition and determination are an example to us all,” she said.

Candler called upon stakeholders to seize the opportunity to commit to a more structured refugee management policy, and urged compassion for those forced to flee their plight. “We can all do more to show solidarity with refugees. No action is too small, whether it’s welcoming a refugee into your community or advocating for their protection,” she added.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2024