Toll-Free Helpline to Assist Displaced Afghans Launched

News Desk

Peshawar: A toll-free helpline called “Marsata” has been launched in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to assist displaced Afghans. This initiative, inaugurated by the local non-governmental organization Blue Veins, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan, aims to provide essential services to Afghan refugees in need.

The helpline specifically focuses on offering support for gender-based violence (GBV) and acts as a crucial resource for the vulnerable Afghan community. GBV remains a prevalent issue among displaced Afghans, often exacerbated by a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding available support systems.

Survivors and the community at large might be unaware of the existing resources or fear social stigma, leading to underreporting and perpetuation of the cycle of violence. Closing this awareness gap and ensuring accessible information is crucial to protect and empower affected individuals.

To ensure effective service delivery, the Marsata Helpline conducted comprehensive mapping of service providers. This groundwork enables seamless coordination with other helplines and service providers, ensuring prompt linkage of GBV survivors among the displaced Afghan population to necessary services.

At the launch ceremony held in Peshawar, Fazal Rabbi, Director of the SSU Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, expressed the Pakistani government and Afghan Commissionerate’s commitment to enhancing protection services for the Afghan community in Pakistan. Their aim is to safeguard them from harassment, violence, and abuse within the legal framework.

Amir Hamza, Protection Coordinator at IOM Pakistan, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “Protecting the displaced Afghan population is paramount. Marsata will play a pivotal role in offering crucial support and services, especially to those affected by GBV. It’s more than a helpline; it can be a lifeline for many.”

Qamar Naseem, Programme Manager at Blue Veins, highlighted the importance of connecting GBV survivors to service providers: “For displaced populations, especially GBV survivors, access to the right services can be life-changing. Marsata isn’t just a helpline; it’s a bridge linking those in need to a network of support and care. This can profoundly impact their recovery and integration.