CONFIDENTIAL
Reference SAS 171/314/01
Mrs J Wyeth BCD
37TH EXCOM GENEVA 6-16 OCTOBER 1986 AFGHAN REFUGEES IN PAKISTAN
1.
You requested briefing for the above meeting. I note that you have also approached SAD/FCO. I am not able to comment on the detail of the UNHCR programme, but the following information may be of some assistance:-
Nature of Refugees
2. The Afghan refugees in Pakistan have been displaced as a result of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 - although the first political dissidents arrived as long ago as 1973.
3. It is now estimated that there are up to 3 million refugees (approximately 20% of the total population of Afghanistan) and they have entered the country across a border extending for more than 1300 miles. More are still arriving at the rate of 6,000 - 8,000 a month. Of this vast number approximately 2.6m are accommodated in RTVS (Rural Tented Villages) or camps; the remaining 400,000 fending for themselves in some of the larger urban conurbations, but particularly Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad and Karachi. In so far as any generalisation is possible those 400,000 represent the more skilled and educated, those with more resources, and those who tend to have come from an urban rather than a rural background.
Needs of Refugees, Assistance Programmes, Co-ordination/Co-operation
4.
The Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, both centrally and in the separate Provinces is responsible for the overall work of refugee administration and co-ordination. The latter is particularly important as there are a large number of voluntary organisations each wishing to make their own specific contribution whether in the field of food, water, shelter, clothing, medical facilities, education etc.UNHCR liaise with the Commissionerate.
5. The basic unit of administration for the Commissionerate's programme is the RTV, RTVs are put in groups of about five under an area administrator, and areas are combined under District/Agency Administrators. Each Province has a Provincial Refugee Commissioner and the whole programme is under the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees who is responsible to the Secretary, States and Frontier Region.
erates
6. A fundamental principle governing the Commission policy was that the situation was still regarded as "temporary". This meant in particular that large scale agriculture was not allowed, permanent building was discouraged, and employment prospects were acceptable when confined to camps or if they did not interfere with prospects and opportunities for Pakistan nationals.
Physical Security of Refugees
7. Considering the large numbers of refugees, one would have expected considerably more friction between local and refugee communities than in fact is apparent (but it is increasing). This is partly due to shared convictions on independence and the Islamic faith.
Nature of Refugee Camps
8. Amongst the refugees there is the influence of a variety of politico/
CONFIDENTIAL
/religious