Switzerland has recently joined  the Core Group of the Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan refugees, which aims at better protecting these refugees, as well as ensuring support for host communities. The Strategy also focuses on the support needed for voluntary repatriation and the sustainable reintegration of refugees in Afghanistan.

To reaffirm Switzerland's continued commitment and support, Ambassador de Cerjat together with a delegation of several envoys from European countries, including Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden, participated on 16th March in a visit to the Afghan refugee village of Panian - one of the oldest and the most populated of such villages in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

The visit was a good opportunity for Ambassador de Cerjat to interact with the elders of this village and hear their stories about how they live together side by side with the host community of Haripur and their outlook on the future. The Ambassador also appreciated the generosity of Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees over  many decades and the efforts of the UNHCR in translating the support of the donors into tangible benefits for the refugees and the host community in Pakistan.

To read full story please see: https://unhcrpk.org/unhcr-expressed-appreciation-for-international-support-for-afghan-refugees-and-host-communities/