CONFIDENTIAL
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Co-ordination/Co-operation
Generally good. The Pakistani authorities exert strona influence on UNHCR and will only allow voluntary agencies to operate with UNHCR 'sponsorship'. There are recular working contacts with other agencies on the around as well as formal monthly meetings. There is also regular informal and formal liaison with the host government and other UN agencies. Co-ordination with UNHCR operations in neighbouring countries (viz Iran) is largely dealt with at HQ.
Information/Disaster Preparedness
UNHCR gets detailed statistics from the Pakistan government. It is debateable how accurate these are but UNHCR claim that they have been helpful in indicating a detectable pattern. Clear statistics even on such basic matters as overall numbers and the rate of new arrivals are very difficult to compile. We estimate for example that 20% of refugees are unregistered and therefore outside the system. The UNHCR offices keep a substantial database of demographic, geographic and other information in Islamabad and in field offices. They add to this regularly and keep a close eye on the political/security situation. There is a marked consciousness of the desirability of forecasting trends tempered however by recognition that a complex international political situation (Pakistan domestic politics, Geneva talks, military situation) makes forecasting very tricky. There is also a residual UNHCR prejudice that trend-spotting might involve judgements which could be interpreted as interferance in a country's internal affairs.
Legal Protection
UNHCR are able to fulfil their mandate for Afghan refugees impartially. However non-Afghan refugees are not accepted by Pakistan and UNHCR's handling of their cases is merely 'tolerated'. Access to the refugee camps is in principle free but problems with local security in some areas make spontaneous visits very difficult. UNHCR however believe that where visits have to be delayed this is for genuine reasons. We believe that this will not always be true.
Physical Security
Much of the immediate security of the camps is handled by refugees themselves on a village/tribal basis. Tribal disputes do break out within/between camps but are generally handled internally. The Pakistan Government does supply some external protection. Camps near the border with Afghanistan are in danger of cross- border attack but efforts to move camps into safer areas have often been resisted by refugees.
CONFIDENTIAL
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