Japan pledges $2.7m to support youth and Afghan refugees
Contribution will support UN health projects, as well as provide legal support
The government of Japan yesterday pledged a contribution of $2.7 million (Dh9.9 million) to support refugees and host communities across Pakistan.
Japan’s ambassador to Pakistan Takashi Kurai and UNHCR’s Country Representative in Pakistan Ruvendrini Menikdiwela signed the agreement with Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Saleem Khan in attendance, at a ceremony.
The Japanese Ambassador hoped that the grant aid would be utilised for the future of Afghan refugees and host communities, especially young generations, and mitigate the burden of host communities, a statement by the Japan’s embassy said.
Efforts appreciated
He said Japan highly appreciated the efforts made by the Pakistani people in host communities who had been accommodating Afghan refugees for nearly four decades.
Menikdiwela commended the people and government of Japan for the contribution.
“Such support will have a positive impact on the lives of Afghan refugees allowing them to have access to better health care services, livelihood opportunities, as well as legal support,” Menikdiwela said.
The contribution will support UNHCR’s interventions in health, livelihoods, as well as the provision of legal support to around 1.39 million registered Afghan refugees. The new funding will benefit around 475,000 refugees and youths in host communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab. Part of the contribution will be invested in the health sector.