UN Officials Fear Afghan Surge Could Undermine Humanitarian Efforts

UN officials believe the living conditions of Afghan civilians will be harmed by an expected intensification of the conflict. They also note that recovery and reconstruction efforts in the country could be undermined by the widening conflict, as NATO and Afghan forces continue a major military operation in Helmand province.

"Afghanistan needs long term development and many donors support recovery and reconstruction efforts," said Robert Watkins, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, as he outlined a new framework for the 2010 Humanitarian Action Plan (HAP)."However the impact is often undermined by emergency situations and conflicts”, Watkins said.

The current military surge in Helmand Province has already forced 10 000 civilians out of their homes.

Laurent Saillard, director of ACBAR( Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief ) also said he did not expect an improvement in the security situation for civilians in the country. “ We assume that, in regards to the military presence, there will be an intensification of the conflict, which will impact on the living conditions of civilians in Afghanistan.”

Amnesty International estimates the war claimed over 2400 civilian casualties last year, the highest total since 2001, when military operations first began.

The new HAP also addresses growing concerns over the use of aid as a political and strategic tool by the military, by increasing the role of NGO’s in the distribution of aid. “Distribution of humanitarian assistance should remain solely within the realm of humanitarian actors and not the military” said Watkins, “ The distribution of aid by military personnel gives the wrong signal to communities who then perceive all aid to be associated with the military. This has lead to threats of violence against the humanitarian community and hampered their ability to deliver needed services.”