ISLAMABAD: SAFRON and Narcotics Control Minister Shehryar Khan Afridi has urged the countries hosting refugees to adopt a solution-oriented approach to mitigate the sufferings of refugees and evolve a joint strategy to attract the attention of those prosperous countries who are not fulfilling their commitments made under United Nations (UN) charter.
Addressing a conference held here to commemorate the World Refugee Day 2019, the Minister said it was a pity that 85 per cent of the refugees were being hosted by developing nations while the developed countries were not sharing the burden despite having signatories of the UN convention on refugees.
Lauding the UNHCR representative and her team to help the cause of Afghan refugees, the minister said that the world is at a critical juncture as we today we are to address a very complex subject of refugees.
“The emerging and protracted situation such as that we have in Pakistan has a direct and indirect impact on political, socio-economic and environmental and security of the host countries. Let me emphasise that in overall world statistics, 40 per cent protracted refugee situation is in Pakistan,” he said.
UNHCR hosted the event largely attended by Afghan refugees, diplomats, journalists and officials from donor organizations. The event was marked by showcasing the cultural heritage of Afghan refugees and plays and songs were played.
