ISLAMABAD:- The Republic of Korea on Tuesday flagged a one million dollar contribution to strengthen UNHCR’s response to support Afghan refugees and their host communities in Pakistan.
This year-long project focuses on livelihood assistance, prevention and response to gender-based violence, community protection and updating critical identity documentation, benefiting more than 125,000 people across the country.
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Center of Excellence, where the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Park Ki Jun and UNHCR Representative, Ms. Philippa Candler signed the agreement. NAVTTC Chairperson Ms. Gulmina Bilal was also present on the occasion.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Park expressed appreciation to the Government of Pakistan and UNHCR for their joint efforts in supporting Afghan refugees. “The issue of refugees is not the sole concern of one country, but a global agenda on which the international community must work together in solidarity,” he said.
The UNHCR representative welcomed Korea’s generous assistance and emphasized that the funds are already changing lives, with 1,000 Afghan and Pakistani students enrolled in NAVTTC training programs this year, along with enhanced prevention and response to gender-based violence, child protection and legal assistance. and documentation.
Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Chairperson of NAVTTC, highlighted the importance of the Republic of Korea’s contribution and partnership with UNHCR to continue providing training to develop youth skills and improve their social and economic opportunities during the ceremony.
Mursal, an Afghan refugee who attended NAVTTC training and is now a project coordinator, shared her views on the importance of youth empowerment, including women.
