KABUL, 17 September 2003 — International and Afghan humanitarian organizations yesterday warned that worsening security is threatening reconstruction work in Afghanistan, with attacks against aid workers soaring to one every two days.
“The security situation is forcing aid agencies to reconsider activities in more and more areas and is restricting aid and development, resulting in growing public support for radical movements,” said Barbara Stapleton, advocacy coordinator for the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief.
ACBAR is an umbrella organization representing more than 90 non-governmental organizations. “Little time remains, with elections pending, for the international community to provide the Afghan government with the necessary support to establish effective security throughout the country if development and reconstruction under the Bonn process is to progress,” she said.
The United Nations last month also warned of the need to dramatically improve security in Afghanistan ahead of presidential polls due to be held in June 2004.
According to US-based CARE International, half of Afghanistan’s 32 provinces this month had areas deemed high-risk for aid workers.
