Nepal Representative of the UNHCR in Kathmandu Abraham Abraham (File Photo)
Country representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nepal, Abraham Abraham, has urged the Nepal government to expedite the process to end the long standing refugee issue to which he said his office was ready to contribute any kind of support.

Addressing media persons on the issue of World Refugee Day (held yearly on June 20) at the Reporters’ Club on Friday, Abraham said the ultimate and comprehensive solution of the crisis is to open all possible ways of seeking a solution.

He repeated his stance that UNHCR can never engage in repatriation process as it cannot guarantee the safety and security of the refugees when they get back to their country because it has not been given a formal presence in Bhutan. “UNHCR should be allowed go along with refugees, settle them, feed them for a season until they grow the first batch of crops, to ensure they are well integrated in society. Since we cannot do this in Bhutan, we will have no part in bilateral and repatriation processes,” he added.

He said he received number of applications from refugees who wanted to be resettled in third countries and in Nepal during his recent two-day tour of the refugee camps in Jhapa and Morang districts.

He also expressed his satisfaction from the assurances he received from deputy prime minister and foreign minister KP Oli to expedite the works to find solution to the problem. He urged all concerned not to politicize the issue.

“In my repeated visits to camps, I find the same people coming with their agendas. This shows all refugees are not given opportunity to express their views,” he said.

Abraham also reiterated that UNHCR cannot help refugees, especially old ones, for treatment of chronic diseases.

World refugee day is celebrated every year on June 20 in over 120 countries worldwide.