UN Secretary-General António Guterres said during a press conference in Islamabad that the United Nations remains committed to working with Pakistan to uphold the rights of refugees and ensure respect for refugee protection principles.
Guterres stressed that the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe and carried out in a manner that respects their human dignity.
The UN Secretary-General said the safety and fundamental rights of refugees must be taken into account during the return process, and that measures that could put their lives or security at risk should be avoided.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding role in hosting Afghan refugees, saying the country has hosted millions of Afghans for decades after they were forced to leave their homeland due to conflict and instability.
Guterres emphasized that the future of refugees must be guided by the principles of safety, dignity and voluntary decision-making.
