UNHCR commits for Afghan Refugees repatriation

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Antonio Guterres has said that the UNHCR is committed to creating conditions conducive to sustainable repatriation of Afghans still in Pakistan and Iran. On a two-day visit to the country to review UNHCR's operation in Afghanistan, Guterres visit largely hinged on discussions with senior government officials over long-term solutions to the Afghan refugee situation in the region. He also addressed key issues for returnees to better ensure their successful reintegration, access to shelter, livelihood opportunities and socio-economic prospects.
Guterres said that an agreement has been reached between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UNHCR to provide an enhanced package of support to those returning under the voluntary return refugee programme. But he emphasised that "the process of returning refugees will be strictly voluntary." The key to succeeding is to create conditions for sustainable repatriation of the Afghans still remaining in Pakistan and Iran, he said.