Description

On 2 August 2001, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Pakistan signed a landmark agreement to establish a joint screening process for Afghans who have fled to Pakistan to escape drought and conflict in their homeland.

Under the accord, 30 joint UNHCR/Pakistan teams will begin the screening of Afghans in Jalozai and Nasir Bagh in the North-West Frontier Province. Within three weeks, the teams will be increased to 55 and will eventually also cover the new Shamshatoo refugee camp. An estimated 180,000 Afghans live in the three refugee settlements.

Those Afghans who are found to be in need of protection will be allowed to stay in Pakistan and be relocated to settlements specified by the authorities, as well as receive assistance from UNHCR and its partners. Those whose cases are rejected would have the right to appeal. However, once a final decision is made, they would have to return home, according to the agreement.