The United Nations Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi urged the international community to do “everything possible” within theAfghanistan “to avoid the collapse of the country and prevent violence” that could lead to another refugee crisis.
“If the country collapses, once again after 40 years we will have to deal with another refugee crisis; if the international community supports us, we can prevent that from happening,” Grandi said at a press conference in Islamabad. He said the international community should engage with the Taliban to “save Afghanistan from disaster and to save the region from instability.”
Since August 15, when the Taliban conquered Kabul, they have come to Pakistan beyond 9,000 refugees; however, the country has now closed the border crossing for Afghan refugees without proper documents. Grandi asked Pakistan not to repatriate Afghan refugees without valid travel documents, as they could be at risk in their country. “There are some specific cases of refugees who have specific needs or protection problems; I appeal to the humanitarian spirit of the country to have those needs heard and addressed,” he said.
Earlier this week, Grandi visited Afghanistan and held meetings with several Taliban officials, including interim ministers for foreign affairs, education and refugee repatriation. He said there are 3.5 million people displaced due to the conflict and added: “Half of them have recently been displaced.” Grandi said the issue needs to be addressed very urgently.