Head of Prime Minister's Office Calls for Accountability in Treatment of Afghan Refugees

Dr. Abdul Wasea, Head of the Office of the Prime Minister, met with Arafat Jamal, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative for Afghanistan, to discuss the current status and challenges facing Afghan refugees.

During the meeting, Dr. Wasea stated that countries accepting refugees must strictly observe international principles and laws, ensuring that the rights of refugees are fully respected. He urged international agencies to move beyond the practice of offering recommendations and instead hold countries that mistreat refugees accountable for their actions. Dr. Wasea further asserted that the issues concerning refugees beyond the Durand Line are manageable and could be easily resolved.

Arafat Jamal affirmed that the UNHCR is providing services for migrants in cooperation with the Islamic Emirate. He noted that the hardships faced by refugees returning to the country have intensified. Jamal attributed the increase in these problems to a combination of a weak economy, a decrease in international aid, persistent drought, and the impact of recent clashes with Pakistan.