STATEMENT
UNHCR Standing Committee: 92nd Session, 11-13 March 2025
3a, V - Regional update on Asia and the Pacific (Afghanistan)
Statement by Norway
Check against delivery
12 March 2025
We thank UNHCR for the update.
Norway commends UNHCR for their important role in the Border Consortium and their emergency response to Afghan returnees from Iran and Pakistan.
We value UNHCR’s role in advocating for voluntary, dignified and safe return, including respect for non-refoulment.
UNHCRs mandated role in providing protection and assistance to people affected by displacement in Afghanistan remains essential.
We recognize Pakistan and Iran for their solidarity and tremendous efforts hosting millions of Afghan refugees over decades.
Norway is concerned about the humanitarian consequences in Afghanistan of a potential massive increase of returns from Pakistan and Iran to Afghanistan in 2025, after an already significant influx of returnees in 2023 and 2024.
In a situation of dwindling financial resources for the humanitarian and basic human needs response, another large-scale return increases the risk of grave deterioration in the economic and security situation in Afghanistan.
We appreciate UNHCR’s work on reviewing and sharpening its Priority Areas of Return and Reintegration Approach, enabling increased attention on protection, basic services and livelihood to displacement affected populations.
We commend UNHCR in this regard for its active and leading roles in the National and Regional Durable Solutions Working Groups.
The reality for Afghan women and girls is increasingly dire. It is vital that UNHCR, and its partners, continue to prioritize the empowerment of women and girls, including ensuring their particular protection needs are met, as well as the principled approach of providing aid “to women by women”.
Norway will continue supporting Afghanistan’s humanitarian response, as well as efforts to meet basic human needs and safeguarding human rights.