Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 39
39
Accepted
The FCDO should ensure that the Pakistani authorities receive the necessary assistance and resources to...
Recommendation
The FCDO should ensure that the Pakistani authorities receive the necessary assistance and resources to be able to cope with refugees fleeing from the crisis in Afghanistan. (Paragraph 82) UK aid to Pakistan 37
Government Response Summary
Since late 2021, the UK has provided £7 million to WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC to support preparedness and response for the arrival of new refugees from Afghanistan to Pakistan, also working within a donor group and supporting Pakistan’s strategy for Afghan refugees.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Response: Since late 2021, the UK has provided £7 million to WFP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC to support preparedness and response for the arrival of new refugees from Afghanistan to Pakistan in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover. In addition, the UK is a member of ‘The Core Group’ of donors which aims to provide sustained engagement and solidarity with the Afghan refugee situation and includes those who intend to make concrete commitments xvi UK aid to Pakistan: Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Committee, Session 2021–22 to support Pakistan’s Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). The SSAR seeks to find solutions to support voluntary repatriation, sustainable reintegration and assistance. One of its key aims is to ensure that services for refugees are integrated into Pakistan’s development and service delivery. The SSAR has helped provide support for Pakistan to verify the existing refugee population and provide new ID cards to over 1.2 million long-term refugees, giving them access to health and education services. Two thematic working groups have been established to support education and livelihoods initiatives for both the refugee and host populations in conjunction with the Government of Pakistan. The UK is currently supporting Governance work in KP which hosts the majority of refugees in Pakistan – supporting KP to spend federal funds on development activities in the province. The UK also supports the Girls Education Challenge fund and Education Cannot Wait programming in the refugee hosting areas of Balochistan and KP which will include both Pakistani and Afghan refugee children.