Summary of the UNHCR Meeting with Hazara Community Representatives – 7 August 2025

On 7 August, UNHCR Head Ms. Arditi Siani held a meeting with Hazara community representatives, AHVJ, and other refugee representatives, starting at 10:30 AM. UNHCR officials, including Deputy Ms. Margarit and officers from RSD, Resettlement, and Protection, emphasized the seriousness of fraud and requested refugees to report any cases. They also discussed using designated email addresses for specific issues to streamline communication. The meeting was temporarily suspended due to security concerns arising from a large demonstration by the Myanmar refugee community. During this time, AHVJ and other representatives raised questions and shared community concerns with UNHCR officers. When the meeting resumed, Hazara representatives highlighted several issues: arrests of Hazara students in Pune, precarious security for Hazaras in Afghanistan, halted allowances causing economic hardship, poor treatment by UN officers during routine visits, delays in refugee cards for military personnel, and long waits for Australian humanitarian visas. UNHCR responded that they are coordinating with FRRO offices in India, legal partners, and relevant embassies to address these concerns. They also noted that some refugee cards may be issued by the end of the year, while complex cases may take longer. Regarding Australian humanitarian and resettlement cases, UNHCR confirmed ongoing coordination with multiple embassies and plans to raise Hazara community issues, emphasizing priority for vulnerable refugees in India.