**SHARP and UNHCR Deepen Coordination Efforts to Enhance Protection Services for Afghan Refugees in Karachi**
SHARP (Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid) hosted a high-level meeting with a UNHCR delegation at its Karachi office, underscoring ongoing efforts to improve protection and support mechanisms for Afghan refugees in the city. The visit enabled both organizations to discuss emerging challenges, assess service delivery, and reinforce their partnership in safeguarding vulnerable refugee populations.
The UNHCR team—led by Ms. Kiran Kour, Assistant Representative – Protection, and Mr. Hafeezullah Kakar, Field Officer Karachi—was received by Ms. Quratulain, Incharge of SHARP’s Refugee Desk Centre (RDC). Ms. Quratulain delivered a comprehensive overview of SHARP’s interventions, presenting key data on the number of refugees received from January to July 2025, the operational status of the RDC, and updates on the ongoing rapid verification exercise. She also highlighted significant trends identified through individual protection interviews and counseling sessions conducted with Afghan refugees.
During their discussions, participants focused on addressing major obstacles such as documentation challenges faced by refugees, best practices for conducting protection interviews, and recent shifts in protection needs within the refugee community. These topics were explored in detail to ensure that support remains responsive and rights-based.
The UNHCR delegation toured SHARP’s facilities, observing the verification process firsthand and spending time with refugee women to gain direct insights into their realities and pressing concerns. Such engagement provided valuable context for shaping future programs and advocacy efforts.
The visit concluded with both SHARP and UNHCR reaffirming their strong, collaborative relationship and mutual commitment to delivering well-coordinated, rights-oriented services for refugees residing in Karachi. Their partnership is viewed as critical in ensuring that the specific needs of Afghan refugees are effectively met through comprehensive protection and legal support initiatives.
