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.

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.

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 East Asia and the Pacific (USD)

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2010-2011