Since January 2014, 80 security incidents have directly harmed NGOs. ACBAR calls upon all parties to the Afghan conflict to end all forms of violence against Humanitarian Actors – including NGOs and their employees.
(Kabul)—ACBAR (the Agency Coordinating Body of Afghan Relief and Development) has been aggrieved to hear of the attack on an NGO ambulance in Nangarhar and in Badakhshan provinces (Afghanistan) providing essential assistance to a patient.
Once again, ACBAR wants to reiterate its strong condemnation of any attack, intimidation, violence or threats against NGOs working in Afghanistan. ACBAR appeals to all parties to the Afghan conflict to respect the neutrality of NGOs as well as to allow humanitarian access to those in need.
ACBAR would like to restate that humanitarian organizations are working impartially and independently to deliver much needed aid to the Afghan people who need it the most, irrespective of ethnic identity, religious or political beliefs.
In the current context, where Afghanistan still faces major challenges such as the high vulnerability to natural disasters, one of the worst levels of poverty in the world, an increase in crime and an intensification of a conflict that has been ongoing for more than 30 years, NGOs – both local and international – play, and will continue to play, a critical role in providing relief and development aid to people in need, in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, often in areas where other service providers have limited or no access.
Any attack, intimidation, violence or threat against NGO staff, interests, beneficiaries or assets will ultimately result in delays in aid implementation, which negatively impacts the welfare of the people of Afghanistan – particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Contact: director.acbar@gmail.org