Afghanistan + 1 more
Two Afghan refugees camps in Balochistan being closed
QUETTA, (NNI): The Government of
Pakistan has announced that Jungle Pir Alizai and Girdi Jungle camps in
Balochistan will be closed in 2007. Jungle Pir Alizai will be closed by
June 15 and Girdi Jungle will be closed by August 31. There is no option
to stay in the camps. Affected Afghans have two options to voluntarily
repatriate to Afghanistan with UNHCR assistance or to relocate to Ghazgai
Minara camp in Loralai district of Balochistan. The UNHCR will only assist
registered Afghans with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Unregistered
Afghans with no PoR cards will be subject to the law of the land. Afghans
who wish to repatriate should approach the UNHCR scheduling centres in
Ghousabad or Sabzal Road, or approach the Baleli voluntary repatriation
centre (VRC) on the Quetta-Chaman Road. They must bring the PoR cards of
the repatriating family members and two copies of family photo in colour.
At the VRC, repatriating family members will be de-registered at NADRA's
point and their PoR cards will be invalidated. All those above five years
of age must pass the IRIS test in order to receive UNHCR assistance in
Afghanistan. The return package offers an average of US$100 per person,
depending on the distance to the area of origin. Baleli VRC is open daily
from 07:30 am to 3:30 pm except Thursdays and Fridays. Afghans, who are
not repatriating for the moment and opt for relocation, will be relocated
to Ghazgai Minara camp in Loralai district. Those wishing to relocate must
give their names to the district administrators and staff of the Commissioner
for Afghan Refugees (CAR) in their camps as soon as possible. A copy of
this list should be sent to UNHCR. UNHCR will provide transport of persons
and their possessions. A medical escort for PoR holders will be provided
enroute to Ghazgai Minara camp. There will be a team to receive them at
the camp and to give them the relocation package, which includes a hot
meal and water, basic health screening, tents, picks and shovels. Plastic
sheets will be distributed as needed. Latrines will also be set up in the
reception area. The camp is 345 km away from Jungle Pir Alizai camp and
675 km from Girdi Jungle camp. Ghazgai Minara camp is currently home to
392 registered families with some 2,500 Afghans. Most work as daily wage
labourers in farms and coalmines while the rest run small businesses. Facilities
in the camp will be made available, including water, health care and education.
- Frontier Post
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