CONFIDENTIAL
37TH EXCOM: BACKGROUND BRIEF
AFGHAN REFUGEES IN PAKISTAN AND IRAN
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1. About 3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan and another million
in Iran: one-fifth of the population has left the country.
With no
sign of progress in the UN talks and some indications that the
refugees are an increasing burden for Pakistan, important to remain supportive and not allow this refugee problem the world's largest
- to be overshadowed by issues elsewhere.
2.
Seventh (1985) UN resolution passed by record majority (122-19-12). Further rounds of talks convened by UN Secretary General's personal representative Cordovez in May and July/August.
Instruments on non-interference, voluntary return of refugees and guarantees virtually complete; but last round made no real progress as Russians/regime showed scarcely any flexibility on key issue of
short timetable for Soviet troop withdrawal.
3.
Gorbachev's announcement in July of withdrawal of 6 regiments by
end of year purely a political move; only involves 6% Soviet forces
(would still leave over 110,000) and regiments concerned irrelevant
to current tactics in war.
4.
Increasingly aggressive and mobile Soviet tactics. ICRC hospitals in Pakistan report continuing civilian casualties (eg in
July casualties at Peshawar hospital increased and hospital in
Quetta had busiest month since May 1984). Acute food shortages in
some areas due to destruction of crops and irrigation canals by Soviet forces. Hundreds of thousands displaced persons within Afghanistan.
5. UNHCR assistance for refugees in Pakistan has budget this year of US $52.2m. UNHCR are cooperating with World Bank and Pakistan
Government over income-generating projects for refugees. UK aid to
Afghan refugees since January 1980 now totals about £40m including
CONFIDENTIAL
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