Repatriation as a Solution of Afghan Refugee Crisis: A Critical Overview

Abstract

Since 1979, the Afghan refugee crisis is the second largest refugee crisis in the world which is termed as “Protracted Refugee Situation”. Since then, the neighboring countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have provided support in terms of sheltering the refugees and conducting the measures of durable solutions. Last year, it marked the fourth decade of the crisis, and there is still no permanent solution. Different measures have been taken, among them, Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) is the most significant one. In this paper, a qualitative approach involving secondary data sources critically evaluates the effects of repatriation as a solution to the Afghan refugee crisis. This paper had tried to illustrate significant initiatives taken by UNHCR and the governments of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran along with the international community. In conclusion, some policies are recommended to make voluntary repatriation more effective.