Geneva is home to a number of UN specialized agencies and other international humanitarian organizations
i.e. the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); the UN
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC); and the Secretariat of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
In
line with their respective mandates, these international bodies respond
to humanitarian emergencies and support people and communities
displaced by conflict and disasters. Civil society organizations active
in the humanitarian affairs are also based in the city. Pakistan values
the contribution and support provided by these bodies.
As
a signatory to the Geneva Conventions, Pakistan has constructively
contributed to the evolution of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and
works closely with key actors for progressive development of laws and
norms.
Pakistan advocates for
adoption of a strategic approach that envisages respect for
international humanitarian law, prevention of conflicts from eruption,
resolution of long-standing disputes and sustained global engagement.
Pakistan
underscores the importance of respecting the principles of neutrality,
humanity, impartiality and objectivity as the basis of all humanitarian
responses. States have primary responsibility and role in the
initiation, identification, coordination and delivery of humanitarian
assistance.
Pakistan considers
close coordination between international humanitarian bodies with
national and local authorities to facilitate access. Timely,
predictable, adequate and quality financing is essential for effective
humanitarian responses. Flexible, un-earmarked humanitarian financing is
vital for independent operations of the humanitarian organizations and
to uphold fundamental humanitarian norms.
Pakistan
has had its share of humanitarian emergencies arising from natural
disasters i.e. the devastating earthquake of 2005 and floods in 2010 and
2011. Together with international partners, Pakistan responded
effectively to these emergencies.
Pakistan
continues to augment its national capacities of preparedness, response
and mitigation with a focus on policy development, institutional
capacity building, improving coordination, and coherence.
Pakistan
has contributed to the global normative and operational responses in
the humanitarian field. Pakistan has actively participated in and
contributed to the mobilization of international support and assistance
for refugees.
The Prime Minister of
Pakistan co-convened the first Global Refugee Forum (GRF) held in
December, 2019 in Geneva. In February 2020, Pakistan co-hosted Islamabad Conference with UNHCR on 40 Years of Hosting Afghan Refugees in
Pakistan.
Pakistan has demonstrated
humanitarian leadership by hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over
four decades. Working closely with the UN specialized agencies and other
partners, Pakistan has provided protection, access to education, health
and livelihoods to refugees.
The
Mission engages these international bodies and organizations;
communicates its perspective and priorities; advocates for adherence to
the principles of international humanitarian law; supports greater and
predictable humanitarian funding and calls for enhanced partnerships to
amplify the impact of assistance to people displaced by conflict,
violence and disasters.
The Mission also closely coordinates on these issues with national institutions in Pakistan.
For more information on Pakistan’s position on humanitarian issues, please click here
Refugees
Pakistan
is the fifth most populated developing country and has been a generous
host to millions of refugees for several decades. For over twenty years,
Pakistan was the largest refugee host country in the world.
At
present, Pakistan continues to provide protection and assistance to the
second largest global refugee population and the world’s largest
protracted refugee population under UN High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR)’s mandate for over forty years.
Currently,
over 1.4 million Afghan refugees are registered with UNHCR. In
addition, there are more than 1.7 million Afghans present in Pakistan,
not registered with UNHCR.
Despite
existing and projected economic constraints, Pakistan has pursued an
inclusive, generous and compassionate approach for all refugees in the
country. Pakistan values international cooperation and partnership in
addressing refugee challenges, encountered by host countries.
Although
not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, Pakistan has
continued to extend protection to Afghan refugees through a Tripartite
Agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan and UNHCR.
Pakistan
advocates for a strategic approach towards refugee situations;
entailing prioritized focus on prevention and protection directed at
durable solutions.
Pakistan
continues to underscore faithful adherence to the long-standing
principle of international burden and responsibility sharing in managing
refugee situations and easing the burden on host countries.
Accordingly, Pakistan is of the view that innovative financing
arrangements in support of refugee protection need to be designed and
implemented in accordance with this globally agreed principle.
Pakistan
has consistently adhered to a policy of voluntary repatriation of
refugees, while underscoring the need for corresponding and
complementary efforts to create pull factors in the country of origin.
The
UNHCR, as the lead UN agency working for refugees, is headquartered in
Geneva. The Executive Committee (ExCom) of UNHCR is its governing body
and functions as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.
Pakistan
became member of the ExCom in 1988, and has been actively contributing
to the programme and work of UNHCR, as a major refugee hosting country.
The
Mission participates in and advocates Pakistan’s perspective,
priorities and interests in the UNHCR ExCom and related platforms.
For more information on Pakistan’s perspective on refugee related matters, please click here
Migration
Human
mobility and migration have always been and continue to be shaped by
transformations in the economic, political, social and technological
landscapes. In turn, migrants have always played a significant role in
each of these fields.
As a large
developing country, Pakistan has been and is a country of origin,
transit and destination for migrants. Pakistan has hosted millions of
migrants, in pursuit of economic opportunities or displaced due to
conflicts in the neighbourhood and beyond.
Notwithstanding
the numbers, timeframe and formal status, migrants have enjoyed social
mobility, employment opportunities and access to health and education in
Pakistan for decades.
Pakistan is
also one of the major countries of origin for migrants. At present, an
estimated nine million Pakistanis reside, work and study abroad. Pakistan
is one of the top ten recipients of annual foreign remittances, currently
around US$ 20 billion.
Pakistani diaspora has contributed significantly to national development in the
country as well as in countries of their residence.
Pakistan considers human mobility and migration as vital vehicles of development, innovation and prosperity for all.
Migration issues are increasingly linked to global discourse on globalization,
development, innovation, human rights and the world of work. In recent
years, the political salience of migration has evinced greater media,
academic, policy and research interest.
Pakistan
considers it essential to pursue multi-dimensional dialogue,
international cooperation, partnerships among and between States,
businesses, organizations and other stakeholders on the entire range of
migration discourse.
The
International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951 and
headquartered in Geneva, is the lead inter-governmental organization
that handles migration issues.
Pakistan
joined the IOM in 1992 and has since actively engaged, participated in
and contributed to the work of IOM Council, its Committees and Working
Groups.
The Mission participates in
and advocates Pakistan’s views, priorities and interests in the IOM and
other formal and informal processes related to migration.
For more information on Pakistan’s perspective on migration related issues, please click here