A/AC.96/1154 Annex II Statement of the Executive Committee on the Afghan refugee situation At the end of the high-level segment on the Afghan refugee situation, the Executive Committee adopted a statement as follows: “We, Member States of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme, on the occasion of a high-level segment on the Afghan refugee situation, wish to emphasize the need to resolutely address one of the longest protracted refugee situations. Despite the multitude of complex humanitarian crises facing the international community today, it is imperative that all efforts be made to find and implement solutions for Afghan refugees, who have sought refuge outside their country for over 35 years, in light of the renewed dialogue and partnership among governments in the region and commitment of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to support phased and voluntary return and reintegration. We are deeply grateful for the video presentation by the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and for the presentations by the ministers of the Islamic Republics of Iran and Pakistan. Despite the voluntary return of 5.8 million Afghan refugees since 2002, there remain more than 2.6 million Afghan refugees in the neighbouring countries of the Islamic Republics of Iran and Pakistan. The renewed commitment of the Afghan Government of National Unity in making voluntary repatriation and reintegration of its citizens among its highest national priorities presents a unique opportunity to address this protracted situation. While international support has been generous, solutions for the returnees and remaining Afghan refugees will be elusive without lasting peace, security, and development. Returning refugees are vital to foster nation building and the reconstruction of their country, for which a conducive environment needs to be created. The voluntary return of Afghan refugees in safety and dignity should be facilitated along with their sustainable reintegration. We, therefore, appreciate the commitment by the Government of Afghanistan to include them in the national development planning and prioritization processes. We highly commend the exemplary generosity and hospitality of the people and Governments of the Islamic Republics of Iran and Pakistan in hosting Afghan refugees. We recognize the profound impact of the protracted refugee situation on host communities, economies, services, infrastructure, environment and security. Voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration may pose specific challenges such as access to land, livelihood opportunities and provision of basic amenities for which the international community must play its due role and provide urgently needed assistance and financial support. We reaffirm our support for the Solutions Strategy for the Afghan Refugees to Support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and Assistance to Host Countries (SSAR), endorsed by the international community in 2012, which presents the framework to identify and implement lasting solutions for Afghan refugees in the region. We are strongly encouraged by the aligning of national plans for Afghan refugees, prioritising empowerment of women and youth, by the Islamic Republics of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, reflecting close dialogue and partnership. We reaffirm the principles of international solidarity, responsibility and burden sharing and partnership, and are grateful for the commitments expressed by Member States, including resettlement countries, and the affirmations of support to the country of origin, the host countries and communities, UNHCR, other UN and relevant humanitarian and development actors and civil society working on behalf of Afghan refugees. 11