by Rania Yaqub 18 February 2023
On February 2, 2023, the UNHCR in partnership with the Government of Pakistan launched a one-time cash assistance program to aid the 1.3 million Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan, who have been impacted by the devastating monsoon floods in the country as well as the current economic conditions.
This move is commendable as it not only provides much-needed assistance to the vulnerable refugee population but also reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to providing refuge to the Afghan people with dignity and honour, despite prevailing economic and social challenges in the country.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has been ongoing for over four decades, resulting in the displacement of millions of Afghans who seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Pakistan, being the immediate neighbour, has been hosting the largest number of Afghan refugees for more than four decades. 800,000 of which were living in areas affected by the monsoon floods of 2022.
The one-time cash assistance scheme will provide each registered Afghan refugee with a cash grant of up to PKR 25,000, adjusted according to the family size, which will help them meet their basic needs and support their livelihoods. The scheme is designed to benefit the most vulnerable refugees, starting with women, children, and the elderly. The UNHCR and the Government of Pakistan will be distributing the cash grants through mobile banking services to ensure transparency and accountability.
The assistance scheme is a significant step towards extending relief to the Afghan refugees in Pakistan, but it is not sufficient to address their long-term needs. The Afghan refugees require sustained support, including access to basic services like education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, to rebuild their lives. Pakistan has been advocating for a comprehensive solution to the Afghan refugee crisis that includes voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration, and continued international support.
Despite its own ongoing economic challenges, the Pakistan Government has been providing support to the refugees through various initiatives, including the Afghan Management and Repatriation Strategy (AMRS), which aims to facilitate their voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan.
The AMRS has been successful in encouraging the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees. In 2022, over 640,000 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan, and the trend continues in 2023. Along with the UNHCR, the government has been facilitating their repatriation by providing transportation, cash grants, and other forms of assistance. However, the repatriation process comes with its complications, including the security situation in Afghanistan and the limited capacity of the Afghan government to support the returnees.
Pakistan has been advocating for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Afghan refugee crisis. The international community has to fulfil its role in supporting Pakistan’s efforts to provide relief and support to the refugees. Moreover, support the Afghan government in creating an enabling environment for the voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration of the refugees.
It is also important that they provide the necessary resources to the Afghan government to support the return and reintegration of the refugees, including providing access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
The recent cash assistance scheme for Afghan refugees in Pakistan affected by the floods and economic situation is a significant step towards providing relief to the vulnerable refugee population. However, the long-term needs of the refugees require sustained support, including access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades, and it has been providing them with shelter, food, and basic necessities. The international community must support Pakistan’s efforts to provide relief and support to the refugees and work towards a comprehensive solution to the Afghan refugee crisis. Pakistan remains committed to hosting Afghan refugees with dignity and honour, and the international community must show solidarity and support in this regard.