Joint Media Release
Mr Alexander Downer, MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Dr Hassan Wirajuda, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs and His
Excellency Abdul Rahim Karimi, Afghanistan Minister for Justice
1 March 2002
Afghanistan Australia Indonesia
Mr Alexander Downer, MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Dr Hassan Wirajuda, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs and His
Excellency Abdul Rahim Karimi, Afghanistan Minister for Justice, in
a meeting on 26 February, held during the Regional Conference on People
Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime,
urged the international community to work cooperatively to address
the plight of Afghan refugees and displaced people.
The Ministers deeply regretted the plight of Afghan refugees who,
under pressure from the unfortunate circumstances created by the Taliban
regime, were forced to leave their home country and seek refuge in
neighbouring countries as well as the Asia-Pacific region.
The Ministers agreed that one of the post-conflict issues which needed
careful resolution was the voluntary return of Afghan refugees to
Afghanistan.
It would be important to seek a dignified solution for the voluntary
return of Afghan refugees, said the Ministers.
They agreed that developing effective and rational return arrangements
for Afghan refugees and others would be an integral part of reducing
the demand for the services of people smugglers. Ministers agreed
to work closely in developing those arrangements in the context of
a comprehensive package, taking care of financial incentive, return,
resettlement and rehabilitation.
Ministers emphasised that the Regional Conference had highlighted
the plight of Afghan refugees and provided political momentum for
countries to assist in their voluntary return to Afghanistan.
Agreement has been reached that Afghanistan will accept the immediate
return of any Afghans not in need of protection who arrive through
illegal means in Indonesia or Australia from now on.
In order to further pursue the detailed arrangements and technical
matters in this endeavour, the Ministers agreed to continue future
talks and dialogue.
Local Date:
Tuesday, 22-May-2012 06:46:05 EST
