STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR UNHCR, the UN RefugeeAgency has intensified its outreach to Afghan refugee communities to raise awareness about the coronavirus. Amid these challenging times, arranging large group discussionsinthe communityis not only risky but not permitted. To help overcomethis,UNHCR announced the top-up of mobile cards for 3,000 Outreach Volunteers and community mobilizers across the country to strengthen effective digital communication, says a press release here on Friday.The Outreach Volunteers and community mobilizers are Afghan refugees who help disseminateinformation withintheir communities. They also carry out important advocacy with the local authorities and service providers. UNHCR supports around 2,200 Outreach Volunteers and some 800 community mobilizers in Pakistan. Outreach Volunteers, community organizers as well as elders and shuras are all anintegral part of UNHCR’s community-based approach, which ensures that refugees play a role in responding to situations that affect their lives. ‘The role of Outreach Volunteers in Pakistan is especially instrumental at this time in ensuring that government information on COVID-19is effectively disseminatedthrough digital channels,’ said the Deputy Representative of UNHCRin Pakistan, Iain Hall. He noted thatthisis a one-time mobiletop-up of Rs1,000 per person. The UN Refugee Agency supports the Government of Pakistan’s surveillance, preparedness and response plans, which include refugees. Together with the Ministry of SAFRON and the Commissionerate ofAfghan Refugees, NGO partners are also supporting health education campaigns at the community level and in health facilities in all the refugee villages onCOVID-19 prevention and response.
