UNHCR 95th Standing Committee - Statement by the EU and its Member States - Agenda item 3 (a) Regional updates: Asia and the Pacific
UNHCR 95th Standing Committee
24-26 March 2026
Agenda item 3 (a) Regional updates: Asia and the Pacific
Statement by the EU and its Member States
Chair,
I am honoured to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
We are following developments in Iran and across the broader region with the utmost concern. The current escalation risks further destabilising an already fragile humanitarian context and underscores the urgent need for the protection of civilians and full respect for international humanitarian law. As reported by UNHCR, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, placing additional strain on communities that are already hosting millions of refugees and internally displaced persons. Any further escalation risks significantly deepening humanitarian needs across the region.
We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian and the human rights situations in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the Taliban’s systematic human rights violations and severe restrictions on human rights in the country, particularly those aimed at the systematic oppression of women and girls and call for the full and equal enjoyment of their human rights in line with international obligations. We further condemn the continued restrictions imposed by the Taliban on implementing partners and international organisations, and we call for the lifting of restrictions preventing women from work, includingin UN compounds in Afghanistan.
Regarding hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the European Union and its Member States call on all actors for immediate de-escalation full respect for international law including international humanitarian law, territorial integrity, the protection of civilians, and sustained dialogue. The EU reiterates that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries and calls on the Afghan de facto authorities to take effective action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan.
The return of more than four million Afghans over the past two years from Iran and Pakistan has placed significant strain on already fragile socio-economic conditions. We reiterate our serious concern over forced returns from Pakistan and Iran and stress the need to fully respect the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement, while supporting the resilience of refugees and host communities until conditions for safe and sustainable solutions are met. We commend UNHCR for its protection and support and reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive regional response through the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees.
Turning to Myanmar, we remain deeply concerned by severe humanitarian situation including the protracted displacement, as the civil war is still raging, with continuous massive and indiscriminate violence against civilians, including Rohingya in Rakhine State. We reiterate strong condemnation of all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. As the conflict and food insecurity continue to drive displacement, we acknowledge UNHCR’s critical mandate in assisting stateless populations and commend its protection and support provided to all refugees, particularly the Rohingya minority fleeing to Bangladesh. We fully support Bangladesh’s position that repatriation must meet the standards of safety, voluntariness, and sustainability, conditions which are not yet fulfilled. Since the root causes persist in Myanmar, the EU will continue applying political and diplomatic pressure through all available means.
Our commitment to the Rohingya remains unwavering, delivered through humanitarian and development aid, diplomatic engagement, and advocacy for durable solutions. In December, the European Commission reaffirmed this commitment at the Rohingya Multistakeholder Pledge Event during the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review. We continue to back the Joint Response Plan, and initiatives that expand skills, education, and livelihood opportunities, fulfilling the pledges made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. We welcome the simplification of the Rohingya Refugee Response coordination structure, in line with the Humanitarian Reset.
Finally, the EU will continue to support sustainable and principled responses across the Asia and Pacific region, whilst also recognising the immense pressures faced by host countries and the tireless dedication of UNHCR and other humanitarian partners in delivering their protection mandate in often dangerous contexts.
Thank you.