2010 Regional Operations Profile - Asia and the Pacific

Working environment

Asia faced a number of humanitarian crises in the first half of 2009 causing large-scale human suffering. UNHCR has played a lead role in the humanitarian community's efforts to provide emergency assistance and protection to those affected.

In Afghanistan, violent conflict and lawlessness limit the access of the United Nations to only half of the country. In Pakistan, the humanitarian situation took a significant turn for the worse in the first half of 2009, when more than 2.5 million people fled their homes as a result of escalating insecurity. In July, the Government of Pakistan initiated activities to support return, early recovery and reconstruction efforts, rather than providing immediate humanitarian assistance. Nevertheless, prolonged displacement is still predicted along with new small-scale displacements.

Both Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran host some of the world's largest refugee populations, with 1.7 million Afghans living in Pakistan and 933,500 in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2009, the number of registered refugees in these countries who opted for voluntary return to Afghanistan declined. A similar trend is expected in 2010. The reintegration of returnees in Afghanistan has been made difficult by the deteriorating security situation, land issues and a lack of jobs.

In Sri Lanka, the end of a decades-long civil war in 2009 paved the way for the return of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their areas of origin. The Office will support the Government's de-mining efforts and assist those who are returning. However, further improvements are needed for full freedom of movement and family reunification for IDPs housed in government-run camps.

UNHCR has observed a shrinking of the protection space for all groups of concern in Thailand. For instance, those fleeing Myanmar's Northern Rakhine State are sometimes unable to avail themselves of legal asylum processes and can face detention. Furthermore, the Office has received reports that many asylum-seekers who arrived by sea were pushed back, with significant loss of life.

In East Asia, 2010-2011 shows promise regarding the enactment of refugee legislation in China, and the accession of Mongolia to the 1951 Refugee Convention. A new resettlement programme will also be implemented in Japan. UNHCR is strengthening its capacity to help national institutions in these countries assume their new responsibilities.

Notwithstanding some positive developments, asylum in Central Asia is increasingly affected by the deterioration of security in Afghanistan. This is reflected in the arrival of significant numbers of asylum-seekers in Tajikistan, as well as by heightened domestic concerns about security.

Strategic objectives

Ensure effective protection for all people of concern

The Government of Pakistan committed to extend the validity of Proof of Registration cards for Afghan refugees until 2012, contributing to a more managed return. UNHCR will continue to implement the Registration Information Profiling for Afghan Citizens project to update registration data, identify opportunities for strengthening the self-reliance of refugees pending return, and assist those in need of specific assistance. Under the inter-agency cluster approach, UNHCR will continue to provide shelter, material assistance and protection to people affected by the emergency in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province. UNHCR will also contribute to the Government's return plan through the provision of transportation, material assistance and temporary shelter to groups with specific protection needs and undertake protection monitoring through referral centres. Support for those families not ready to return will continue. The Office will work to strengthen partnerships with local NGOs, identify new NGO networks and strategic alliances, and develop community-based initiatives involving people of concern.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNHCR will advocate with the Government for the continued registration of refugees, and the issuance of temporary work permits. UNHCR will also work to improve health and educational programmes for Afghan refugees until their voluntary return is possible.

In Afghanistan, UNHCR will pursue return and reintegration as well as local settlement for long-staying IDPs. Additional resources may be needed to respond to new sudden displacements.

UNHCR will continue its efforts to prevent statelessness and promote the rights of stateless populations in Asia.

Affirm and develop an international protection regime

UNHCR will continue to help States develop asylum legislation and build capacity, while advocating for their accession to international refugee and statelessness instruments.

In South-East Asia, UNHCR will engage relevant actors to support policy changes aimed at finding durable solutions for refugees and increasing protection space. In the absence of national refugee legislation and asylum procedures in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, UNHCR will continue refugee status determination (RSD), provide documentation for individuals and intervene in the event people of concern are subject to arrest or detention. In Cambodia, UNHCR will help the Government improve its capacity to implement asylum procedures.

In East Asia and the Pacific, UNHCR will advocate for increased protection space, unhindered access to asylum at borders and within countries, and fair and speedy RSD processes for all people of concern. The Office will also work to improve the livelihoods of urban refugees, lobby for alternatives to detention, and explore ways to prevent and find solutions to statelessness. In China, UNHCR will continue RSD and assist the Government as it develops a national refugee legislative framework that complies with international standards.

In Central Asia, UNHCR will advocate for the strengthening of asylum space through international and national instruments. A regional strategy is being prepared to promote a protection-sensitive border entry system and to build the capacity of the relevant authorities.

Realize the social and economic well-being of people of concern

UNHCR will continue to work to improve the basic living conditions of people of concern and pursue sustainable livelihood and self-reliance opportunities for refugees in camps. It will also increase its focus on refugees and asylum-seekers in urban areas, particularly in India, Malaysia and Thailand. Advocating for the inclusion of refugees in national social programmes, through community outreach, education and health projects, and improving livelihood opportunities will help to achieve this objective.

In Pakistan, UNHCR, as part of the UN's Delivering as One Initiative, will implement the Refugee-Affected and -Hosting Areas programme to bring development assistance to local communities hosting Afghan refugees. It will benefit up to 2.5 million Pakistanis and Afghans, and strengthen governance and public services. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNHCR will work with the authorities on outreach programmes for refugees living in urban areas through programmes such as vocational and skills training. Partnerships with the relevant Ministries to facilitate the access of urban refugees to education, primary health care and medical services will lead to improved school enrolment and health care for refugee children.

In Bangladesh, UNHCR will seek to improve conditions for some 200,000 unregistered people of concern, promoting opportunities for their self-reliance and access to basic services. Following the High Commissioner's visit in 2009, the authorities in Myanmar agreed to a significant expansion of UNHCR's activities in the country. New activities to be undertaken include small-scale community infrastructure projects, the repair and construction of schools and the provision of medical equipment to hospitals and clinics.

Attain durable solutions

UNHCR will continue to focus on resolving protracted refugee and IDP situations, improving living conditions, facilitating voluntary repatriation whenever possible and exploring other durable solutions.

In Afghanistan, the Office will continue to work towards the goals established by the five-year Afghan National Development Strategy. To make further progress, increased political engagement, improved management and coordination, as well as more substantial investments to enhance reintegration will be required from both the Government and the international community. In countries hosting Afghans, UNHCR will continue to facilitate voluntary repatriation.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, UNHCR will work with the Government and agencies to provide skills training for refugees that will contribute to their self-reliance. Resettlement will continue to be used as a protection tool for refugees in the region.

Maximizing the use for resettlement as a protection tool will continue in Malaysia, Nepal and Thailand. More than 20,000 refugees from Bhutan who were living in Nepal have been resettled in third countries since the inception of the programme in late 2007.

Develop dynamic partnerships

UNHCR will continue to forge strategic partnerships to mobilize support for its mandate and address gaps in assistance for refugees. It will also build on its coordination with other UN agencies and partners in the framework of the cluster approach. In Central Asia, the Office will promote an active advocacy role for civil society on refugee matters, and work to raise awareness about asylum issues.

UNHCR plans to increase its interaction with regional bodies, which play an important role in the protection of populations on the move. It will also continue to work closely with donor countries in Asia to mobilize the necessary financial and political support for its programmes.

Guarantee age, gender and diversity perspectives in operations

UNHCR will continue to work towards the full implementation of the age, gender and diversity mainstreaming framework in Asia. Preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence continues to be a key objective of all offices in the region. In Malaysia, the implementation of best interest determination procedures will help 2,000 unaccompanied minors, while enhanced support programmes will assist 30,000 women and children.

Child protection is a priority in Afghanistan, where children often face forced labour, smuggling, human trafficking or early marriage. Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most serious protection problems in the country. UNHCR will continue to support safe houses for them. In Myanmar's northern Rakhine State, UNHCR will step up activities to empower women and expand education opportunities for girls.

Challenges

The serious deterioration of the security situation in Pakistan's Baluchistan, North West Frontier Province and in Islamabad, as well as the continuing instability in Afghanistan are major concerns for UNHCR and other humanitarian actors, both in terms of delivering assistance and ensuring the safety of staff. Three UNHCR staff were killed in the first half of 2009 in Pakistan. Access to IDP return areas is also a major challenge. Operations require constant reviewing from a security perspective to adapt to evolving circumstances in the local environment.

The issues of humanitarian access and shrinking humanitarian space are a major concern in a number of countries in Asia. Unfortunately, they are likely to remain low on the priority of national agendas, and refugee policy will continue to be shaped by security concerns and bilateral considerations towards neighbours, affecting access to territory and protection space for asylum-seekers.

Financial information

The annual programme budget for Asia and the Pacific had been relatively stable in the past few years. However, the initial 2009 budget has expanded significantly due to the supplementary programmes in Pakistan and Sri Lanka for IDPs. These operations will continue in 2010 on a similar scale.

For 2010, the total budget for the region is USD 470.7 million, compared to the 2009 budget of USD 346 million. Further donor support will enable UNHCR to improve the quality of assistance in emergency situations, provide additional assistance to sustain reintegration and expand services for urban refugees and new arrivals. It will also allow UNHCR to play a more active role in addressing statelessness and in assisting host communities.

UNHCR budget for Asia and the Pacific (USD)
OPERATION	2009 REVISED BUDGET [1]	2010					2011
		REFUGEE PROG. PILLAR 1	STATELESS PROG. PILLAR 2	REINTE- GRATION PROJECTS PILLAR 3	IDP PROJECTS PILLAR 4	TOTAL
Total budget	346,021,707	214,716,722	14,721,273	54,235,379	187,124,107	470,797,481	440,767,200
[1] Includes supplementary programme requirements of USD 159,704,640. [2] Includes regional activities in South-East Asia.
SOUTH-WEST ASIA
Afghanistan	55,896,417	38,370,873	0	51,471,572	14,908,617	104,751,062	85,668,800
Iran, Islamic Republic of	17,377,696	36,826,564	0	0	0	36,826,564	37,200,000
Pakistan	150,038,085	45,607,675	0	0	131,079,990	176,687,665	176,687,700
Regional activities	1,687,923	0	0	0	0	0	0
Subtotal	225,000,121	120,805,112	0	51,471,572	145,988,607	318,265,291	299,556,500
CENTRAL ASIA
Kazakhstan	2,470,557	3,494,127	626,983	0	0	4,121,109	4,250,000
Kyrgyzstan	1,443,473	1,721,411	425,043	0	0	2,146,454	2,300,000
Tajikistan	594,480	1,161,748	44,614	0	0	1,206,362	1,250,000
Turkmenistan	690,602	279,471	294,693	0	0	574,164	600,000
Uzbekistan	155,000	0	0	0	0	0	0
Regional activities	100,000	0	0	0	0	0	0
Subtotal	5,454,112	6,656,757	1,391,332	0	0	8,048,089	8,400,000
SOUTH ASIA
India	5,537,152	9,808,728	122,422	0	0	9,931,150	10,000,000
Nepal	13,079,655	13,924,712	154,673	0	0	14,079,385	14,122,600
Sri Lanka	35,021,472	1,004,587	0	2,413,005	36,330,717	39,748,309	28,500,000
Regional activities	100,000	0	0	0	0	0	0
Subtotal	53,738,279	24,738,027	277,095	2,413,005	36,330,717	63,758,845	52,622,600
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Bangladesh	6,310,669	8,135,150	49,593	0	0	8,184,743	8,185,000
Cambodia	886,306	618,397	25,312	0	0	643,709	570,000
Indonesia	3,506,388	4,930,984	278,412	0	0	5,209,396	5,243,600
Malaysia	6,725,882	13,995,373	108,841	0	0	14,104,215	14,039,700
Myanmar	10,637,428	0	11,379,044	0	4,804,783	16,183,827	16,233,300
Philippines	323,121	629,687	0	0	0	629,687	645,000
Thailand [2]	18,661,010	20,523,091	240,858	0	0	20,763,949	20,700,000
Timor-Leste	296,244	339,890	0	0	0	339,890	340,000
Viet Nam	474,607	135,436	153,310	350,801	0	639,547	339,500
Regional activities	333,000	0	0	0	0	0	0
Subtotal	48,154,655	49,308,008	12,235,370	350,801	4,804,783	66,698,962	66,296,100
EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Australia and New Zealand	1,635,944	1,334,301	0	0	0	1,334,301	1,360,000
China	4,991,115	4,809,687	173,047	0	0	4,982,733	4,620,000
Japan	4,522,703	4,473,938	516,736	0	0	4,990,673	5,100,000
Mongolia	363,534	184,349	36,173	0	0	220,522	262,000
Papua New Guinea	965,915	1,274,675	0	0	0	1,274,675	1,320,000
Republic of Korea	1,195,329	1,131,867	91,521	0	0	1,223,389	1,230,000
Subtotal	13,674,540	13,208,817	817,477	0	0	14,026,294	13,892,000

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2010-2011