Islamabad, The Republic of Korea has contributed one million dollars to support initiatives aiding Afghan refugees and their host communities in Pakistan, focusing on improving livelihoods, gender-based violence prevention, and updating critical documentation. The funding, which aims to benefit over 125,000 people, marks a significant international effort to assist one of the largest refugee populations in the world.

According to The UN Refugee Agency, the announcement was made during a signing ceremony at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Centre of Excellence in Islamabad. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mr. Park Ki Jun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan, and Ms. Philippa Candler, UNHCR Representative. Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Chairperson of NAVTTC, also participated in the ceremony.

Ambassador Park highlighted the collaborative efforts between the South Korean government, the government of Pakistan, and UNHCR, emphasizing that refugee support is a global responsibility that requires solidarity. He expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its longstanding hospitality to Afghan refugees.

Ms. Candler acknowledged the significant impact of South Korea’s financial assistance, noting that it has facilitated enrollment of 1,000 Afghan and Pakistani students in NAVTTC training programs this year, alongside enhanced measures for child protection, legal aid, and gender-based violence prevention.

Ms. Bilal underscored the importance of the partnership in providing skill development opportunities to youth, which are crucial for their social and economic integration. During the event, an Afghan refugee who benefited from the NAVTTC program shared her experience, illustrating how the initiative has enabled her to pursue her aspirations and improve her community’s prospects.