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Pakistan

Tirah Valley Displacement - 1 May 2013 Update

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Background

On 15 March 2013, violent clashes began between militant groups in the Tirah valley, largely in the Khyber Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, precipitating large-scale displacement of the local population. Most fled in one of three directions: towards the Peshawar Valley, Kohat/Hangu or Kurram Agency.

At an early stage, UNHCR started registering and assisting the displaced in the New Durrani, Togh Sarai and Jalozai camps. Subsequently, due to security concerns resulting from the character of this exceptional population, the Provincial government directed that registration and assistance of the Tirah Valley caseload should not take place in the Peshawar valley, where it was feared that further security incidents might occur.

Fundamental humanitarian principles require that any relocation must be entirely voluntary and in full consultation with the individuals concerned. The authorities provided assurances of cooperation and security assistance to assist UNHCR in setting up a new registration and assistance hub in Jerma, near Kohat. Following this, the agency swiftly developed a plan to construct the registration site and put a team in place to commence work.