Amid COVID disruptions, Afghan refugee women are stepping forward into business
In Pakistan, enterprising Afghan refugee women are stepping forward to support their families, learn skills and run small businesses. By Zikrea Saleah in Peshawar, Pakistan When the COVID-19 pandemic started impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people,...
Afghan refugee doctor dares women and girls to dream
Doctor Saleema Rehman is the regional winner for Asia for UNHCR’s annual Nansen Refugee Award for her dedication to promoting girls’ education in her community and for her contribution to Pakistan’s COVID-19 response. By Marie-Claude Poirier in Attock, Pakistan Two...
A test of speed, strength, skill and horsemanship
Haji Gada Muhammed, an Afghan refugee elder in Pakistan, explains the allure of the traditional sport of buzkashi and expresses his hopes for young refugees By Humera Karim in Quetta, Pakistan | 06 August 2021 Haji Gada Muhammed sits on a cushion in a splendid white...
Skills training builds futures for refugees and Pakistanis alike
In Quetta, Pakistan, Nida and her fellow trainees are gaining vocational skills, equipping them to take advantage of new livelihoods opportunities. For Nida, a chance to take a beautician’s course is making a difference in her life and giving her the means to be...
UNHCR’s renewable energy project helps solve refugees’ problems
Eco-friendly solar-powered water systems make a big difference in lives of refugees Feature story Dalbandin, Chaghi District, Balochistan – 4 June 2021: Drawing water from a deep, open well and carrying heavy loads in jerrycans was hard work for 12-year-old refugee...
Breaking barriers, a young refugee woman fulfils her medical career dream
Breaking barriers, a young refugee woman fulfils her medical career dream By Humera Karim in Quetta, Pakistan Taking risks to pursue her dream, Marzila, a 21-year-old Afghan refugee and medical worker in Pakistan, has convinced her family and community to accept the...
‘Education enables us to sense the meaning of life’
‘Education enables us to sense the meaning of life’ Mahbooba, a 22-year-old Afghan refugee in Pakistan, has often struggled to continue her education while also helping to provide for her family. She explains what has motivated her to persevere and of her hopes for...
Thanks to Japan, UNHCR supported thousands of vulnerable families impacted by COVID-19
Thanks to Japan, UNHCR supported thousands of vulnerable families impacted by COVID-19 Press release ISLAMABAD, 7 January 2021: While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevailed throughout the year and posed serious humanitarian challenges, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency stayed...
EU provides €10 million support for refugees and Pakistanis impacted by COVID-19
EU provides €10 million support for refugees and Pakistanis impacted by COVID-19 Assistance will help UNHCR mitigate short-term and medium-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on refugees and Pakistani host communities Press release ISLAMABAD, 24 November 2020: The...