UNHCR Global Appeal 1999 - Regional Overview: South-West Asia

The three countries of South-West Asia (Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan) are all too familiar with displaced populations. The Islamic Republic of Iran provides asylum to some 1.4 million Afghans and 0.5 million Iraqis, while Pakistan shelters some 1.2 million Afghans. Although more than 4 million Afghan refugees have returned home since 1992, there is no indication that the turmoil in Afghanistan is near an end, nor that the return of the remaining Afghan refugees is imminent.

UNHCR is facilitating the voluntary return and reintegration of Afghan refugees by providing repatriation packages comprising cash, wheat and household items upon the refugees' departure from the country of asylum, and by rehabilitating areas of return in Afghanistan. Since 1997, UNHCR has emphasized organized group returns which, in turn, ensure a more durable integration and help coordinate assistance among the various agencies involved.

Pending an improvement of conditions in the country of origin, UNHCR will continue to promote refugee self-sufficiency and self-reliance in the countries of asylum while supporting activities which will improve prospects for durable reintegration following their voluntary repatriation. UNHCR field presence throughout the region is essential to monitor the movement of both returning refugees and populations newly displaced by hostilities. Overcoming obstacles to return and ensuring that women participate and benefit from the assistance provided are high priorities for the Afghan programme. In recognition of the volatility of the region, UNHCR will continue to maintain an emergency alertness and readiness to respond to potential displacements.

Budget US$

The budget does not include costs at Headquarters.

* Includes costs in Afghanistan, while the budget presented on page 200 includes costs in Afghanistan, asylum countries and at Headquarters.