Description

The Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) was drafted in 2012 by Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, with the support of UNHCR. The strategy advances a regional approach to solutions and promotes burden and responsibility-sharing for refugees at regional and global levels.

Three main themes underscore the Solutions Strategy: 

• Creating conditions conducive to voluntary repatriation through community-based investments in areas of high return;
• Building Afghan refugee capital based on livelihood opportunities in Afghanistan in order to facilitate return; and
• Preserving asylum space in host countries, including enhanced support for refugeehosting communities, alternative temporary stay arrangements for the residual caseload, and resettlement in third countries. 

The proposed interventions in each country fall within five outcome areas as follows: 

• Support to voluntary repatriation;
• Access to shelter and essential social services for refugees, returnees and host communities;
• Improved and diversified livelihood opportunities and enhanced food security;
• Social and environmental protection of refugees, returnees, as well as assistance and support to host communities; and
• Capacity development of national authorities, associations, organizations and communities concerned with refugees, returnees and host communities.