Access to Basic Rights and Fundamental Services in Pakistan: A Case of Afghan Refugees

Abstract

In this paper, the difficulties pertaining to access/availability of basic services such as education and healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan is analyzed for Afghan refugees. Afghan migrants face major challenges in accessing education, such as socioeconomic inequalities, gender gaps and infrastructure concerns even after extensive global initiatives to ensure equal access for all. By combining interviews and literature reviews, the study qualifies these challenges to understand what initiatives that work or not. It shows that poverty and child labor, as well as the lack of educational facilities for girls result in poor access to education. This challenges access to health care and are worsened by legal and logistical barriers since refugees have a no proof of identity. The role in affecting access of host communities and international agencies, the paper is stressing. The research aims to shed light on the following dynamics, in order to assist develop more effective strategies through which to better provide for Afghan refugees including an emphasis on holistic policies addressing immediate needs but also long-term integration. In addition, the study calls for integrated solutions linking policy change with community support and international cooperation to improve Afghan refugees' quality of life.