Introduction:

The 24 years of Afghan war has sketched out the novel histories not only within its own country Afghanistan and its region but also in the world ranging from developing countries to developed ones.

War is invariably fiendish regardless of any kind of distinction. No matter where it occurs? In which socio-economic setup it emerges. But wherever it goes it afire everything as a fire lightens and burns trees/plants in a forest.

In recent years, Afghanistan has produced numerous Afghan refugees as well as asylum seekers. Today Afghans are spread across the globe- to be a refugee in another country does not satisfies the only question that what are their basic rights?
There is more than this Of course, that is what are the human rights of these refugees?
What are the women rights of women refugees? These are those questions, which opens a platform for an open discussion over the humanitarianism of refugees within the camps of the host country. How the human rights of refugees could be assured in the same degree of the citizens of that country.

In this regard APDA and its member organizations have taken steps and gathered few factual experiential truths about Afghan refugees living in the Kacha Ghari Camp which displays a ruinous scene:

Kacha Ghari Camp:

Kacha Ghari Camp is established in the late 70s and early80s. The location of this camp has made this camp as one of the models refugees camp Because on the on one hand, it is situated on the Jamrud Road which is opposite to Hayatabad- On the other hand, it is getting economic advantages of being close to Industrial estate, Hayatabad.

In 1992, the camp was divided into five sectors. These five sectors works as administrative units under the authority of five village administrators. CAR is also the jurisdiction of this camp, which is the district administrator of Afghan refugees.

The CAR has issued eviction notices to the refugees and the deadline is 16th April 2003.
But the refugees are reluctant to vacate the camp, But to vacate the camp they are demanding more time because they have to either go back to Afghanistan where their security is at risk or to relocate the other camps e.g. in Kuram Agency etc.

The land of this camp was also a training area for the Pakistan army, so the army and the local together are demanding from the provincial government to evict the refugees from this camp.

ECONOMIC ASPECT OF THE CAMP:

The economic condition of the camp is much better than other refugee camps in NWFP. Also being close to industrial estate of Hayatabad the refugees are facing less obstacles in the getting jobs. Many of the refugees have business in the Karkhano Market.

In addition to it they have opened many shops in the camp. The refugees are either involved in small businesses or they are or they are transporters Many international and local NGOs are providing their assistance in different sectors e.g. vocational training. In this way they are polishing the skills of these refugees.

ENVIRONMENT OF THE CAMP:

Kacha Ghari camp in many aspects is for better living places for refugees than other camps Every basic facility of life is available in this camp, be it shelter, be it food , be it telephone etc. with the exception of Sui Gas and well- constructed roads, the camp is a model for other camps. There are tube wells supplying waters. Also there are wells and pumps. The security of the camp is also better. The security staff is present in the camp day and night.
The estimated population of the refugees is about 72, 406 this population consists of different ethnic groups belonging to various areas of origin. E.g. Shinwari, Pushtoons. Mohmmand, Khogiani and Tajik

Health:

There are 2/3 hospitals in this camp, which are funded by Arab countries, UNHCR and other NGOs. The Afghan doctors are also providing their services to the refugees in their clinics. From these hospitals women are also getting medical assistance.

Education:

The refugees living in the camp is also sending their children to schools. There are middle and primary schools both for the girls and boys. These schools are funded by CAR/ EDU/ and UNHCR.

But now the demolishment of Kacha Ghari has started. The NWFP government has given notices to the refugees to vacate the camp until 16th of April 2003.
There is no proper plan for these refugees as to where they should go. They have either to repatriate to Afghanistan or to relocate to the camps in tribal areas.

The demolished and ruined pathways of Kacha Ghari camp are telling hundreds and thousands of stories. The countenances of these refugees could tell you, how material and immaterial entities could be lost. And how humans long for themselves to be restored in one-way or the other. For them the label- mark of refugees is enough to discriminate them from the natives.
In the nutshell, their loss was and is in the both concrete and abstract form. We know that in the camps, their problems were multiplied than war. However, to a limited extent
Protection assured by different humanitarian organizations. But now when they are asked to vacate the camp without knowing as what would be their future? what would be the destination of Afghan children, mothers, daughters and sons? Where will they freely and peacefully live? Is there any safe heaven left for them?

These are some of the questions, which need to be answered by the concerned authorities.
We have to do something to lessen their pains.