PAKISTAN'S REFUGEE REPATRIATION PLAN WORRIES UNHCR

C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 000954 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2017 TAGS: PREFF PREL PTER PK SUBJECT: PAKISTAN'S REFUGEE REPATRIATION PLAN WORRIES UNHCR REF: ISLAMABAD 00709 Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary. Representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)'s Geneva office met with the DCM on February 19th. The representatives expressed concern that, in Pakistan's desire to close camps and reduce its refugee population, the government might violate UNHCR repatriation principles or begin repatriations before a proper plan was in place on both sides of the border. The representatives worried that the international community was backing an effort to repatriate Afghans to an environment that, because of the anticipated spring offensive, would not be safe or sustainable for returnees. UNHCR also asked the U.S. to be prepared to ask Pakistan to host additional refugees should the anticipated Taliban spring offensive lead to new Afghan refugee flows. End summary. ¶2. (C) On February 19, UNHCR Geneva and UNHCR Islamabad representatives called on the DCM to discuss Pakistan's plan to close refugee camps and encourage refugees to return to Afghanistan. UNHCR Geneva Director Janet Lim said that UNHCR had serious reservations about Pakistan's plans--or lack thereof--to close four Afghan refugee camps this year. In particular, UNHCR worried that its basic principles (voluntary repatriation, alternative sites for refugees unwilling/unable to return, and orderly camp closures) might be violated. Lim asked that the U.S. be prepared to speak out if Pakistan and Afghanistan did not follow these principles when dealing with camp closures ¶3. (C) Lim noted that the Government of Afghanistan was unprepared and unable to accept a large inflow of refugees from Pakistan. Pakistan was looking for a "quick-fix" absent adequate preparation on both sides of the border, she said. To make returns sustainable and long-term, Afghanistan and the international community should invest more time and money in reconstruction and livelihood schemes. The international community should assist the Afghan government articulate its needs relating to the repatriation process. Potential Effects of the Spring Offensive -------------- ¶4. (C) For the first time, UNHCR representatives articulated concerns over the potential for a Taliban spring offensive to create new refugee flows into Pakistan. If a spring offensive were to create a large influx of Afghan refugees, UNHCR asked that the US help to persuade Pakistan to "handle them graciously," as it had for the past 27 years. Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) We, along with most of our NATO allies, continue to encourage Pakistan to close refugee camps, many of which have become breeding grounds for security problems that impact Afghanistan. Pakistan agrees the camps should be closed, though it also understands its international obligations and has never indicated to us that it would consider violating UNHCR policies. Indeed, the recent announcement that Pakistan would use national funds to enhance the repatriation package being offered to families who agree to return to Afghanistan signals that Pakistan is committed to voluntariness. As UNHCR notes, though, before large numbers of refugees voluntarily return home, they will need to know they have security, shelter, and a livelihood waiting for them. End comment. CROCKER