UNHCR India urges aggrieved Afghan nationals to re-appeal to remedy grievances

The response of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) comes in view of the protest being carried out by the Afghan refugees in New Delhi amid the crisis in the war-ravaged nation, demanding refugee status, reopening of old cases, resettlement in third countries, security and protection from the global body, writes ETV Bharat's senior correspondent Chandrakala Choudhury

New Delhi:The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) India has said that Afghan nationals whose cases were rejected on appeal can submit written application by post or email, explaining why they request the reopening of their case. Applicants will be contacted directly and individually on the outcome of their applications, it added.

The response comes in view of the protest by the Afghan refugees in New Delhi amid the crisis in the war-ravaged nation. Afghan nationals in India have been demanding refugee status, reopening of old cases, resettlement in third countries and security.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Kiri Atri, Assistant External relations officer, UNHCR, India said, "UNHCR India continues registering Afghan applicants and conducting refugee status determination. In doing so, UNHCR takes into consideration the current circumstances in Afghanistan."

"Afghans whose cases were rejected on appeal can submit a written application by post or email, explaining why they request the reopening of their case. Applicants will be contacted directly and individually on the outcome of their applications," he said.

In response to the Afghans demanding refugee card status, Kiri said that refugees and asylum-seekers in India who have international protection can contact UNHCR or UNHCR’s partners.

"We are upscaling our support to Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers through registration and documentation for assistance, prioritizing very vulnerable individuals. The programme for registered vulnerable individuals includes food, cash assistance, education, and psychosocial assistance programmes," Atri added.

According to Atri, 15,467 Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in India have registered with UNHCR (as of July 2021).

According to the UN refugees agency, this year more than 5,50,000 Afghans have been internally displaced as a result of conflict and insecurity.

The Afghan nationals have been complaining of not getting refugee status, which according to them, make them ineligible of all basic rights. The refugees urge the UN to provide them with essentials living facilities.

The UN agency further revealed that due to limited funding, they are only able to prioritise support to the most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers and added they continue their efforts to support vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.

Further the global body said it is in regular contact with Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in India.

With the Taliban take over of Kabul, the world is witnessing a massive tragedy unfolding in Afghanistan. The Afghan nationals are under constant fear and uncertainty as they are completely worried about their future. Now it remains to be seen what happens after US troops leave Afghanistan completely by end of August.

Many countries including India have decided to evacuate their citizens and diplomatic staff given the deplorable security situation in Afghanistan. Many countries have also considered taking in several Afghan refugees.

With the Taliban seizing power, Afghanistan is witnessing 'dark days' where there is no end to brutalities, violence and fear.Conclusion:Meanwhile, India's Ministry of Home Affairs today said that owing to the prevailing security situation in Afghanistan and streamlining of the visa process by introduction of the e-Emergency X-Misc visa, all Afghan nationals must travel to India only on e-Visa