Pakistan at the Global Refugee Table: UNHCR Forums and the Call for Shared Responsibility
Introduction: More Than a Host — A Voice for Refugee Rights
For over four decades, Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations — primarily Afghan nationals fleeing war, persecution, and poverty. But Pakistan is not just a country of refuge. It’s also a key voice at international platforms, especially UNHCR forums, calling for fairer global responsibility and better refugee protection policies.
In every high-level meeting — from Geneva to New York — Pakistan brings a critical perspective shaped by experience. This article explores how Pakistan uses these platforms to advocate for both its own needs and those of the refugees it shelters.
🎤 What Are UNHCR Forums?
The UNHCR Global Refugee Forum (GRF) and related summits are:
- International platforms for policy discussions, pledges, and partnerships
- Held every four years under the Global Compact on Refugees
- Attended by governments, NGOs, civil society, and refugee representatives
- Focused on durable solutions, burden-sharing, and innovations in refugee support
Pakistan has actively participated in every major forum, often as a co-convener or featured speaker.
🏛️ Pakistan’s Core Messages at UNHCR Platforms
In speeches and submissions, Pakistan repeatedly emphasizes:
🔹 1. Global Burden Sharing
“Hosting refugees should not be the responsibility of a few neighboring countries. The international community must share the load.”
Pakistan demands:
- Increased international funding
- Resettlement quotas in developed countries
- More support for host community development
🔹 2. Voluntary, Safe, and Dignified Repatriation
“Refugees must return home when conditions allow — not under pressure, and not into poverty or conflict.”
Pakistan supports repatriation but insists:
- It must be voluntary and coordinated with UNHCR and Afghanistan
- Returnees must receive reintegration support, not abandonment
🔹 3. Investment in Host Communities
“Local populations who share their schools, hospitals, and jobs with refugees need international recognition and reward.”
Pakistan pushes for:
- Infrastructure development in refugee-hosting areas
- Joint services that benefit both refugees and locals
- Social cohesion programs to reduce tension
🔹 4. Legal Recognition and Protection
“Undocumented refugees cannot live in shadows. Legal identity is the first step to dignity.”
Pakistan has received praise for:
- Launching PoR and ACC card programs
- Partnering with UNHCR and NADRA to document refugees
- Advocating for birth registration of refugee children
🗣️ Highlight: Pakistan at the Global Refugee Forum 2019 & 2023
📍 2019, Geneva:
- Pakistan’s delegation called for a “10-year plan” for Afghan repatriation
- Demanded international support for education, health, and livelihoods
- Highlighted its non-refoulement policy and long-standing hospitality
📍 2023, Geneva:
- Emphasized the strain on Pakistan’s economy due to long-term displacement
- Urged countries to increase resettlement quotas and ease asylum policies
- Pushed for regional solutions involving all Afghan neighbors and the Taliban government
“The international community must move beyond applause to action. Pakistan has done its part — now others must step up.”
— Pakistan’s Statement at GRF 2023
🧭 Diplomacy Meets Domestic Reality
While Pakistan’s voice is strong at global platforms, domestic policy has grown more complex, especially in recent years:
- In 2023–2024, Pakistan initiated a “repatriation campaign” for undocumented Afghans
- UNHCR and human rights groups raised concerns about forced returns and rights violations
- This created tension between humanitarian commitments and national security concerns
Despite this, Pakistan remains a key stakeholder in UNHCR’s global strategy, and a model of long-term hosting — though imperfect, under-resourced, and politically sensitive.
🤝 Building Global Partnerships
At international forums, Pakistan has secured:
- Support from EU and Scandinavian countries for host community development
- Technical aid from UN agencies (e.g., ILO, UNICEF) for refugee education and employment
- Bilateral partnerships with countries like Germany, Canada, and Japan to expand refugee services
These partnerships signal the increasing importance of multilateralism in solving refugee challenges.
📊 Pakistan’s Impact by the Numbers
- Over 4.4 million Afghan refugees hosted since 1979
- Current registered refugees: 1.3 million (PoR holders)
- 850,000+ Afghan Citizen Card holders
- Millions of dollars pledged by international donors after Pakistan’s advocacy at UNHCR forums
🧾 Final Thoughts: From Crisis to Global Cooperation
Pakistan’s decades-long experience with Afghan refugees gives it a moral voice and policy credibility at UNHCR forums. It speaks not only for its own needs — but for every country carrying a disproportionate humanitarian load.
As displacement crises grow worldwide, Pakistan’s demand for equity, dignity, and global cooperation remains more relevant than ever.
“Refugee protection is not charity — it is shared responsibility. Pakistan has led by example. Now the world must follow.”
— UNHCR Statement, GRF 2023
