Afghanistan: killings of aid workers condemned

Afghanistan: Amnesty International condemms killings of aid workers

"Unless a secure and stable environment is created, the reconstruction of Afghanistan will be completely undermined" said Amnesty International in its condemnation of the recent killings of five MSF staff.

Over the past six months reports indicate that at least 18 aid workers, five of whom were foreign nationals and 13 Afghans, have been killed while trying to carry out their humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. These attacks are no longer isolated to specific regions but have occurred in all parts of the country and target both foreign and Afghan aid workers indicating a growing environment of instability for all people in the country.

Attacks like the killing of the five Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) workers by unidentified gunmen continue to undermine the work of humanitarian aid workers and detract from the provision of necessary assistance and reconstruction programs to the Afghan population. As reconstruction efforts are vital to the stability and progress of the country, it is imperative that the Afghan government and international community not only condemn such attacks but also take measures to regain stability and security for all those in the country.

Amnesty International reminds the international community of the need for continued efforts in Afghanistan and calls for all those governments who pledged support to follow through on their commitments. Stability and security in Afghanistan are concrete ingredients necessary for generating an enabling environment for successful elections in September.

Afghanistan in the Annual Report 2004: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maacj3Gaa7qDibb0hPub/

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