Afghan Refugees Smart ID Cards

Pakistan launched a drive on Thursday to issue smart identity cards to some 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees, in what will be a vast national campaign to verify data and improve access to critical services.

The last large-scale verification of refugees in the country was undertaken 10 years ago.

The exercise will boost Pakistan’s efforts, with UNHCR’s support, to enhance protection for refugees. Officially known as the documentation renewal and information verification exercise (DRIVE), the campaign will continue for at least six months, renewing and updating information on Afghan refugees who currently hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.

Registered refugees will be issued new smartcards with the capacity to hold biometric data. These cards, which will be valid for two years, will also be technologically compatible with systems used in Pakistan to authenticate the identities of nationals to access services.

Six hundred staff – a combination of government and UNHCR – will be working at some 35 sites around the country, and using mobile registration vehicles, to support refugees throughout the process, expected to take at least six months. Both male and female staff will be on hand to assist.

Measures are in place at all DRIVE sites to mitigate COVID-19 risks through enhanced hygiene, physical distancing, and the scheduling of set numbers of appointments each day.

More detailed information about Afghan refugees’ educational and professional backgrounds will allow for better tailored refugee assistance in Pakistan as well as enhanced support for those who may in the future return voluntarily to Afghanistan.

DRIVE is part of a wider effort to assist displaced Afghans, through the Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR).

UNHCR is seeking US$7 million in 2021 to fund information campaigns about the new ID cards, call centre support, the DRIVE verification sites, as well as software development, smartcard and ICT equipment and staff training.

UNHCR

Bridges to China, Russia Preparing to Open as North Korea Deepens Ties with Both

Satellite imagery analyzed by Radio Free Asia shows rapid progress on a new road bridge connecting North Korea and Russia across the Tumen River, while construction is also accelerating on a long-delayed bridge linking North Korea and China.

Read More

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Togo Briefs Press on “Correct the Map” Resolution

Robert Dussey, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad of Togo, briefs reporters in connection with draft resolution “Correct the map”: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa at UN Headquarters in New York.

Read More

From Rocksprings to Kerrville,Texas, Newborn Kitten Stuck in Engine Rescued

According to an animal organization, a new born kitten was saved after a lengthy trek through the Texas Hill Country. The cat was found hidden inside the engine bay of an employee’s car and had traveled more than an hour from Rocksprings to Kerrville, according to a social media post made by the City of Kerrville.

Read More

French Bulldog

Originating in England, the French Bulldog or Frenchies was created to resemble a toy Bulldog.With the exception of the wrinkles around their face and shoulders, they have a small, compact, well-proportioned, and rather strong frame.

Read More

Emergent Behavior

Emergent behavior is the term used to describe complex phenomena that result from simpler interactions within a system, frequently leading to unexpected or unprogrammed outcomes.

Read More

Informal Meeting to Hear Briefing by UN Secretary-General on UN80 Initiative

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing by the Secretary-General on the UN80 Initiative.

Read More

Police in College Town,Georgia,Found Massive Green Alien Statue That Had Been Stolen from outside of Store

Outside Charlie’s Funky Junk Shop on West Main Street in Statesboro, Georgia, United States, a large green alien statue was stolen.The owner of the store reported the missing promotional item to the police and checked the nearby business security cameras.

Read More

St. Bernard Dog Breed

Switzerland’s national dog, the St. Bernard is named after The monk who founded a hospice to care for travelers on the dangerous paths over the Swiss Alps in the tenth century.

Read More

• Great Dane
• Hyperparameters
• Taiwan Steps Up AI Defenses as China Election Interference Fears Grow
• UN General Assembly Holds 109th Plenary Meeting
• For Having Longest Ears of Any Living Donkey,Hank Has Guinness World Records Title