QUETTA: The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (Buitems) signed an agreement on Wednesday for establishing a ‘Centre for Refugees and Migration Studies (CRMS)’ where training for teachers and opportunities for entrepreneurship/business studies for students will be ensured.

A plaque marking the setting up of the centre was unveiled by UNHCR country representative Indrika Ratwatte, Afghan Refugees Chief Commissioner Dr Imran Zeb and Buitems vice chancellor Engineer Farooq Bazai.

The UN refugee agency will support the centre in the Buitems while the varsity would facilitate admissions to refugee students and trainings for teachers.

Mr Ratwette in his inaugural lecture on “Management of refugees and migrants for lasting regional peace” praised the university, terming the move an important step towards empowering the youth and achieving broader goals for peace and prosperity in the region.

“Forced displacement is one of the biggest human crises the world is facing now. Pakistan has been generously hosting refugees for decades. It is therefore essential that all stakeholders come together to facilitate durable and lasting solutions for refugees,” he said.

Mr Bazai underlined the need for quality education, research and academic exercises on socioeconomic issues in the region, including the challenges pertaining to refugees and migrants. He said Buitems was producing citizens capable of finding tailored solutions to some of the compelling regional and global challenges.

“We equip students with the art of living to become productive members of society and assure that Buitems is fully prepared upfront to support the national and international community in their endeavours,” he said.

Dr Zeb thanked the UNHCR and the university for entering into this important and timely collaboration which would help nurture the relationship and understanding between refugees and host communities and enable sustainable solutions to refugees who had endured displacement for almost four decades.

“Every refugee deserves a bright and safe future and providing such opportunities would not only make refugee students and teachers productive in their homeland but valuable for securing peace in the region. This is actually a contribution to lead towards a prosperous world for everyone,” he said.

UNHCR deputy country representative Johann Siffointe, head of UNHCR sub-office Dinesh Shrestha, Afghan Refugees Commi­ssioner in Quetta retired Brig Masood Ahmad and Afghan Consul General Wajeedullah Momand attended the signing ceremony.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2017