Qatar has been acknowledged for its pivotal role in addressing humanitarian and political crises in Afghanistan by the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the country, Arafat Jamal. During a meeting with the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, they discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan and ways to enhance peace and stability in the region. Jamal praised Qatar for its effective diplomacy, especially in facilitating humanitarian aid delivery and supporting education, calling for further cooperation between Qatar and UNHCR.
The biggest challenge facing Afghanistan, according to Jamal, is managing the return of refugees from Pakistan and Iran. Despite decades of war and climate shocks, Afghanistan has seen relative peace in the last three years, prompting the need for the organized return of refugees to ensure their contribution to stability. UNHCR focuses on providing support to the population effectively, especially in difficult environments, and works under tight security conditions in light of security and logistical challenges. Despite the challenges, UNHCR is committed to reaching those in need, particularly in mountainous areas where access is limited.
Girls’ education is a pressing issue in Afghanistan, as denying girls education beyond the age of 11 poses a significant risk to the country’s present and future. Education is crucial in protecting girls from early marriage and ensuring their participation in economic development. Jamal emphasized the importance of international support in facilitating the return of refugees, acknowledging the hosting of refugees by Pakistan and Iran and stressing the significance of their organized return to contribute to Afghanistan’s stability. UNHCR is currently implementing a program called “Beacons of Hope” in 15 provinces in Afghanistan, aimed at creating environments where returnees have access to education, healthcare, and employment to drive economic growth in those areas.
In closing, Jamal expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its continuous efforts in facilitating dialogue between different parties in Afghanistan. He commended Qatar for its role in keeping communication channels open, emphasizing the need to maintain these channels to ensure stability in Afghanistan and provide aid to those in need. Overall, the meeting between the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the UNHCR representative highlighted the importance of collaboration and support in addressing the humanitarian and political challenges facing Afghanistan and working towards peace and stability in the region.
