In 2019, the regional Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) remained the main framework for the identification and implementation of lasting solutions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan reaffirmed their commitment to the strategy during the 30th Tripartite Commission meeting, on 18 June 2019.
In 2019, 6,220 Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan with UNHCR’s assistance through the two Voluntary Repatriation Centres (VRCs), one in Baluchistan and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Of these, 6,035 individuals were entitled to cash assistance. Out of the total, 45% of returns were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 45% from Baluchistan, 5% from Punjab, 4% from Sindh and 1% from Islamabad. Of these, a total of 827 families (3,037 individuals) were processed through the VRC in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereas, 771 families (3,183) individuals were processed through the VRC in Baluchistan. UNHCR verified the voluntary nature of the refugees’ repatriation, ensuring that their decision to return was well-informed and made freely.
Information on the voluntary repatriation procedures in Pakistan and conditions upon return in Afghanistan were disseminated through partners and mass information campaigns (including through shura meetings and dedicated helplines) to enable refugees to make well-informed decisions. UNHCR staff at the VRCs conducted exit interviews to ensure the voluntary nature of return, recorded cases of harassment and extortion for follow-up and referred cases needing protection interventions to the VRC protection desk. Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) staff in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa supported the process by patrolling different routes from the VRC to the border. VRC staff closely coordinated with border monitors to ensure timely protection interventions with authorities at different levels. At the border, UNHCR conducted randomized interviews in order to capture protection issues and concerns faced by returnees between the VRC and the Afghan border, monitor the quality of services provided at the VRC and ensure that people of concern were adequately prepared for their return.
A significant decrease in returns (56%) was observed in 2019 compared to 2018. The voluntary repatriation operation continued at both VRCs from 1 March 2019 to 30 November 2019, until the routine suspension during winter (December 2019 to February 2020).