Tajik emergency management head, UNHCR official discuss refugees’ problems

The parties discussed refugees’ problems alongside other topical issues, according to the press center of the Emergencies Committee.

During the meeting, Nazarzoda and Schodder also touched upon the issues related to the situation that emerged along Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan.

In this context, the parties discussed measures to be taken in case of a possible influx of refugees, the Emergencies Committee press center says.  

They reportedly also discussed issues of further expansion of cooperation, implementation of joint projects, disaster secures response, interaction to inform and alert the population about dangers and threats as well as training specialists for Tajik rescue service and providing technical assistance

Recall, a statement released by UNHCR on November 19 says 11 men, women and children were forcibly returned to Afghanistan on November 11, prior to any examination of their claims for asylum and protection.

UNHCR also concerned about increasing obstacles for Afghan citizens seeking safety and access to asylum procedures in Tajikistan more generally.

UNHCR called on the Tajik authorities to abstain from any return of Afghan asylum-seekers to Afghanistan, and to resume procedures for legal residence and refugee status determination immediately.  Under international and national refugee and human rights law, Tajikistan remains obliged to provide access to its territory to those seeking international protection.