Afghan refugees: An Urgent Need to Rekindle Hope for Millions

It’s been more than 40 years since Afghans began fleeing violence, war, conflict and natural disasters. Millions of those displaced have suffered deeply and continue to do so. UNHCR is calling on the world not to let hope fade for them.

Recently, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a two-day Refugee Summit in Islamabad to send a global reminder about the fate of Afghan refugees to seek solidarity for their situation.

“Afghanistan and its people cannot be abandoned,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Now is the time for the international community to act and to deliver.” 」

Recently, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a two-day Refugee Summit in Islamabad to send a global reminder about the fate of Afghan refugees to seek solidarity for their situation.

Nadia – Given the Chance, a Refugee Will Overcome and Shine

Nadia, born a refugee and whose parents fled Afghanistan due to the Soviet invasion 40 years ago, is one of the shining samples benefitting from Pakistan’s generosity. Meeting our High Commissioner when he visited Balochistan ahead of the conference, Nadia told him about her high school, as well as the computer classes she takes at Safe from the Start, a programme for women and girls supported by UNHCR.

She knows her path will be challenging, as a refugee and as a woman, but she doesn’t scare easily. For Nadia, the idea of settling down in Afghanistan is never far from her thoughts. “If peace comes, there is no more beautiful place than your own country.”

Mohammad –Can Open an Account Thanks to Pakistan’s New Policy

For years, Afghan refugees like Mohammad had no access to Pakistan's banking system. A spice seller in a local market, he was forced to rely on friends to cash cheques and keep his money safe. Since the law changed last year to let Afghan refugees open bank accounts, business is booming.

“Before, I dealt in cash only,” Mohammad says. “Money is safe [now in an account]. It has helped us.”