Japan has announced a contribution of $3.7 million to host communities in Pakistan and support UNHCR’s programs and activities for Afghan refugees.
Japan’s three-year project will focus on education, livelihood assistance, and community structures in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, benefitting over 240,000 individuals. The agreement was signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, His Excellency Matsuda Kuninori, and UNHCR Representative, and Noriko Yoshida.
The Japanese project will continue to provide financial support, which will greatly contribute to the stability and peace of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The funding will go a long way to empowering young refugees and Pakistanis through skills development and education.
Read more: Pakistan to seek debt relief from China on power project loans
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees said that Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for over 40 years and called on the international community to step up their support for large refugee-hosting countries. “Japan has always played its part in supporting humanitarian efforts in Pakistan,” commended Saleem Khan.
Japan plays an important role in burden- and responsibility-sharing as set out in the Global Compact for Refugees adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018. The Japanese government is one of UNHCR’s largest donors and supporters of many years.
