March 18 (The Killid Group) − United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday suspended the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan after the Torkham and Chaman crossing points were shut.
The decision was made in a bid to take measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19.
“We have temporarily suspended voluntary repatriation due to the extenuating circumstances. UNHCR’s utmost priority is to support global efforts on lessening the spread and impact of COVID-19, and to assist the Government of Pakistan with its comprehensive preparedness and response plans,” media quoted the UNHCR Deputy Representative in Pakistan.
The voluntary repatriation program had resumed on March 2, 2020, after a three-month winter break, and so far nine families have returned to Afghanistan this month, according to Pakistani media.
More than 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees are stationed in Pakistan.
Follow TKG on Twitter & Facebook
