Afghanistan is one of the countries whose citizens have sought refuge in Indonesia
due to conflict and other reasons. Afghanistan has the largest number of refugees
in Indonesia. These Afghan refugees come from the Hazara, Pashtun and Tajik
tribes. Afghan refugees in Indonesia have chosen third countries that they believe
can guarantee their economic security and comfort, such as Australia, Canada and
the United States. Every year, there are always Afghan refugees entering Indonesia,
so the role of the UNHCR is very much needed. This study aims to determine the
role of the UNHCR in responding to and handling the presence of Afghan refugees
in Indonesia and the main factors causing the lengthy transfer of Afghan refugees
to third countries by the UNHCR. This study uses a normative research method.
The data sources used in this study are secondary data sources with two primary
legal materials and secondary legal materials. The data collection methods in this
study are literature study and interviews. From this analysis, the author draws
conclusions using deductive reasoning techniques. The results of the study show
that the role of the UNHCR includes helping refugees to be relocated to third
countries through resettlement, sponsorship, education and employment channels,
as well as preparing refugees for third countries, refugee health, refugee
reunification, scholarships for refugees and employment in third countries.
However, there are also obstacles, including unscrupulous agents who deceive
refugees, protests and demonstrations by refugees, minimal regulations regarding
refugees, and budget cuts for humanitarian agencies.