Refugees’ plight

Dawn Editorial
Thursday, 28 May, 2009

The tale of human misery unfolding in the Frontier has few parallels in Pakistan’s recent history. It is estimated by the United Nations that nearly 2.4 million people have been displaced from their homes this month alone. Some 126,000 refugees from Malakand, says the UNHCR, are streaming into relief camps or registration centres on a daily basis.

Yet there are an untold number of families who are still trapped in Swat, unable to flee the battle raging between security forces and the Taliban. Curfew restrictions are a major hurdle, as is the clear and present danger involved in trying to cross battle lines. Then there may be some who are so straitened of means that they have no choice but to stay put despite the bombardment. According to the UNHCR, the exodus from Malakand is ‘one of the fastest major displacements that we have seen in some years’. And the number of IDPs will only increase if a full-scale operation is extended to the tribal areas.

Refugees from Swat, Buner, Dir and elsewhere appear to be more or less united in the view that the Taliban must be allowed no quarter this time round. That said, the policy of taking on the Taliban could lose its appeal among IDPs if the displaced are deprived of basic human dignity. Both officials and the media seem to be focusing on refugee camps, where conditions leave a lot to be desired. Much more needs to be done in terms of sanitation, water, medical supplies and more food.

It is clear, however, that an overwhelming majority of IDPs are either fending for themselves or have become dependent on relatives who may not be in a position to bear the burden indefinitely. The refugees who have chosen not to live in tented villages must not be excluded from the aid being dispensed by the state, foreign agencies or local non-governmental organisations. Nor should there be any restrictions on displaced citizens moving to any city, town or village anywhere in the country. That is their constitutional right.

The here and now must necessarily take priority as we speak, for the suffering is immense and must be addressed forthwith. But the need for a longer-term policy is also paramount. Let us assume that the Taliban menace will be exterminated in due course, setting the stage for a homeward journey. Many IDPs will be returning to harvests that rotted in the fields, livestock that perished in their absence and damaged or destroyed homes. They will need help over the long term for food supplies, seeds, reconstruction and fresh livestock. Schools will have to be rebuilt and employment opportunities generated. Only then will the state win hearts and minds and truly establish its writ.

Courtesy: DAWN