The situation in Afghanistan A/RES/73/88 further implementation of the joint communiqué of the International Conference on the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees to Support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and Assistance to Host Countrie s aimed at increased sustainability of returns and continued support for host countries, through the sustained support and the directed efforts of the international community; 57. Expresses its concern over the increase in the number of internally displaced persons and refugees from Afghanistan, stresses that stability and development in Afghanistan can be achieved if its citizens can see a future for themselves within their country, reiterates to host countries and the international community the obligations under international refugee law with respect to the protection of refugees, the principle of voluntary return and the right to seek asylum and to ensure full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian relief agencies in order to provide protection and assistance to internally displaced persons and refugees, and calls upon countries to continue to accept an appropriate number of Afghan refugees for resettlement as a manifestation of their shared responsibility and solidarity; 58. Takes note of the cooperation framework signed between the Government of Afghanistan and the European Union, entitled “Joint way forward on migration issues”, and in this context underscores the importance of close and effective cooperation to address the problem of irregular migration in a comprehensive manner, with due focus on and consideration of addressing the root causes of migration, including through job creation and the establishment of returnees ’ livelihoods in Afghanistan, and in accordance with international commitments and obligations, including the human rights and legal rights of all migrants and the rights of persons in need of international protection in line with the provisions of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees 12 and the 1967 Protocol thereto, 13 as applicable; 59. Welcomes the commitment of the Government of Afghanistan to making the repatriation and reintegration of Afghan refugees one of its highest national priorities, including their voluntary, safe and dignified return and their su stainable reintegration into national development planning and prioritization processes, takes note in this regard of the accession of Afghanistan to the Protocol against the smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 14 on 2 February 2017, and encourages and supports all efforts of the Government towards the implementation of this commitment; 60. Reaffirms its firm support for the implementation of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees to Support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and Assistance to Host Countries endorsed by the international community in 2012, and acknowledges the Enhanced Voluntary Return and Reintegration Package for Afghan Refugees as an innovative way to enhance sustainable return and reintegration; 61. Welcomes the continued return of Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons, in a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable manner, while noting with concern the security challenges of Afghanistan; Regional cooperation 62. Stresses the crucial importance of advancing constructive and sustainable regional cooperation as an effective means of promoting and complementing peace, __________________ 12 13 14 18-21201 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 189, No. 2545. Ibid., vol. 606, No. 8791. Ibid., vol. 2241, No. 39574. 13/15