While the Global Core Group and its members are responsible for galvanizing more predictable and sustained financial, political and technical support for the SSAR, it also facilitated the initiation of Local Core Groups in each of the Tripartite SSAR countries - Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. The Local Core Groups provide forums for country-specific discussions and focus on supporting refugees in the respective countries as well as promoting dialogue and engagement with civil society partners. Duplicating the arrangements at the Global level, Local Core Groups are usually chaired by the Ambassadors of the Chair or Co-Chair of the SSAR Platform.
In Afghanistan, a Local Core Group for the Support Platform was convened in March 2021 jointly by the EU (as the former Chair) and Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR). Since its formation, the group has concentrated on providing support for the Priority Areas of Return and Reintegration (PARRs). A virtual mission to Afghanistan in June 2021 allowed donors and Core Group capitals to observe the ongoing work of UNHCR, UNDP, and other partners in the PARRs and engage with returnees from Iran and Pakistan. The group's workplan was updated in December 2021 to address the shifting context in Afghanistan, including the support for IDP returns and reintegration. In accordance with the SSAR workplan for 2024, the group's priorities include promoting socio-economic empowerment and enhancing protection measures, such as monitoring at border points and facilitating civil documentation for displaced persons and returnees. While these areas remain key focuses, the level of the group's engagement may vary as efforts adapt to the evolving context and emerging needs. In addition, the Local Core Group also intends to increase its engagement with civil society and serve as forum for dialogue with CSOs.
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In Iran, in line with the deliberations of the Inaugural Meeting of the Core Group with the Governments of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, a Local Core Group for the SSAR Support Platform was established in April 2021. Core Group Ambassadors and Resident Representatives in Iran met in 2021 to launch the initiative and discuss priority areas of support to Iran, as part of the key objective to assist refugee host countries under the SSAR Platform. In 2022, UNHCR organized a virtual SSAR Support Platform meeting, chaired by the European Union, in the presence of Core Group members and other donors, UN Agencies, INGOs, and the Government of Iran, to better identify the needs of refugees, asylum-seekers and host communities. At the end of 2022, Iran hosted the 8th meeting of the SSAR Quadripartite Steering Committee to discuss progress, challenges, and the way forward in the implementation of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, highlighting Iran’s generous and inclusive hospitality towards Afghan nationals over the years. In 2024, the Group is focusing its efforts on maintaining and expanding the protection and asylum space for all Afghans in Iran, as well as further strengthening the inclusive policies and promoting self-reliance and durable solutions.
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In Pakistan, the local Core Group was established in April 2021, with the EU Ambassador to Pakistan initially serving as Chair. The Group’s work is organized around working level and ambassadorial-level meetings. In 2021, the group adopted a four-pillar workplan that also included emergency response preparedness based on the development of events in Afghanistan. While retaining a strong focus on addressing the ongoing protracted refugee population, the Local Core Group is attentive to potential new needs. Two thematic working groups at the working level were created in 2021 focusing on education and livelihoods and continue to engage in these issues to date. While Pakistan was one of the five co-conveners of the first Global Refugee Forum (GRF) and played an active role in the previous GRF in 2023, it also continues to advance the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. For 2024, the Group is prioritizing advocacy to attain a more favorable protection environment in Pakistan, promote inclusion into national/provincial systems and securing more durable solutions for Afghan refugees.