Pakistan: UNHCR, Secondment Protection and Solution Officer

Pakistan’s policy towards the Afghan refugee population has reflected the erratic of political expediency rather than structured planning. During three decades refugees were welcomed, sending a message to Afghanistan that Pakistan recognised a united Pashtun nationhood. As a result of the newly dwindling international aid the financial burden on Pakistan has been increasing and the continuing pressure, the GOP and the host communities become less accommodating. Following several severe attacks, the refugee population has been linked by some to terrorism and security threats, which has further shaped public opinion. Afghan refugees are facing enormous protection issues and SDC’s expert knowledge support to UNHCR will contribute to the immediate protection needs as well as lasting solution for the Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Switzerland as the host of the Geneva Conference in May 2012 has a particular interest in the recognition of the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees endorsed at this conference.

To provide immediate protection and achieve lasting solution for the protracted Afghan refugees situation in Pakistan.

UNHCR Pakistan Country Team, Regional Teams (Peshawar & Quetta), and ultimately Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.

Enhanced institutional capacity of UNHCR to design and implement innovative and lasting solutions for the protracted Refugee issue in Pakistan.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

Provision of Protection expertise through the Secondment

• SDC’s supported WASH interventions in Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan.
• SDC’s planned protection project for Afghan refugees in KP Province.
• SDC’s supported Strengthening Rule of Law program to UNDP in KP.
• Commissionariate Afghan Refugees (CAR) and other actors supporting refugee caseload in Pakistan (complementing each other’s).

Phase 1 01.09.2016 - 31.08.2017   (Completed)