• Pakistan to resettle 134,000 Afghan refugees in 2024
• Pakistan’s role as a refugee-hosting nation
• Vulnerabilities faced by women and children among Afghan refugees in Pakistan

In 2024, Pakistan will be required to resettle nearly 134,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, almost entirely from Afghanistan, according to a new report by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

According to the ‘Projected Global Resettlement Requirements Assessment for 2024’, the UNHCR anticipates a 20% increase in global refugee resettlement requirements for the following year.

Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, and Malaysia are the largest refugee-hosting nations in the Asia-Pacific region. And they have repeatedly emphasized the need for shared responsibility and concrete contributions to the refugee response.

In 2022, refugee solutions in third countries were considerably expanded, including strengthening resettlement programs for the most vulnerable refugees living in protracted situations in the region’s largest host countries.

The report predicts a 20% increase in global refugee resettlement requirements next year.

The most recent assessment in the report demonstrates that while resettled refugees from host countries represent a small fraction of the total population and needs, the engagement of third countries to support and receive the most vulnerable members of the population is acknowledged and appreciated by host governments, allowing UNHCR to engage in broader protection issues.

5,2 million Afghans are refugees in the region. Due to domestic human rights issues, the research predicts a rise by 2023. They are currently residing in Pakistan and Iran, the two main host nations.

Pakistan’s role as a refugee-hosting nation

Pakistan remains one of the largest refugee-hosting nations, providing refuge to over 3 million Afghans. Pakistan is neither a signatory of the 1951 Convention nor its 1967 Protocol, and it lacks a national asylum system.

However, Pakistan’s protection and assistance of Afghan refugees is generally consistent with international norms and Pakistan’s international human rights obligations.

The 1993 Cooperation Agreement recognises UNHCR’s responsibilities and respects nonrefoulement and asylum.

UNHCR Pakistan also reports that many at-risk women and single-parent households lack protection and resources.

Given the overall protection environment, lack of access to the formal labor market, and limited family or community support, female-headed households are particularly vulnerable and struggle to achieve self-sufficiency.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is underreported, yet female survivors are often placed in safe houses to avoid community or offender retaliation.

Many youngsters are at risk, including those who must work daily to support their families and cannot attend school. This puts them at risk of exploitation and physical dangers and hinders their cognitive and emotional development.