In the year 2000, the Office of
the UN High Commissioner for Refugees observes its 50th Anniversary. In 2001,
the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees will be 50 year old. The longevity
of the UN\'s efforts on behalf of refugees is not in itself a cause for
celebration. What we could be proud of, is our ability to offer refugees
educational and other opportunities, and the means to achieve these
opportunities. This will help them not to be a burden, and not be seen as one.
It will also help them make positive contributions to the communities giving
them asylum or - upon return to their countries of origin. Their courage,
determination and the contribution they have made to society throughout the
world deserves respect and should be celebrated.
Over the years, Pakistan has been
an exemplary asylum country, which in the true spirit of Islamic generosity has
hosted one of the world\'s largest and oldest refugee groups. The government
and the people of Pakistan have made enormous sacrifices to accommodate the
massive influx of refuges from war-torn Afghanistan.
The commitment and co-operation
of the government of Pakistan has made it possible to avert a tragedy by
providing protection, and together with others, delivering urgent humanitarian
assistance to the Afghani refugees. Although many Afghans have been able to
return home, more than 1.2 million Afghan refugees remain in Pakistan.
The issuance of these special
stamps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of UNHCR and the UN Convention on
the Status of Refugees is yet another sign of Pakistan\'s continued support for
the work of UNHCR and commitment to the institution of asylum.
To commemorate the 50the Anniversary of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Pakistan Post Office is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 2/-denomination on December 14, 2000.
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