Afghanistan Peace CampaignTom Fletcher arrived in Afghanistan on April 27, and his six-day trip is set to conclude tomorrow (Friday, May 2).
Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stated Afghan women do not want to be saved—they want their voices to be heard.
During his visit to Kunduz, Tom Fletcher warned that the suspension of aid has led to the closure of health centers and made it more difficult for women to access medical services.
He said: “And here in Kunduz, hearing from women who are losing everything because of the cuts that we’ve been forced to make even since April. The nearest medical facility is now 3 hour cycle away. The clinics have all been closed nearby. And so I’m hearing from women who have had to cycle while very very heavily pregnant back to the nearest hospital and they’ve lost their children as a result.”
“In dealing with the international community, regional countries, and internally, there is a need for greater flexibility. They must share Afghanistan’s real situation with the world so the global community understands their severe condition. The Afghan people also need to know that their issues are being communicated to the world,” said Ismail Zadran, an economic analyst.
Meanwhile, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that Tom Fletcher was also informed of the negative impact of reduced funding on demining efforts during his meetings in Kunduz.
He said: “The Under Secretary General also heard how funding cuts are crippling lifesaving mine action work in Afghanistan. Landmines killed and injured 55 people every month on average in the country, 80% of them children often hurt while playing or going to school.”
“They must make significant investments and provide economic support to the demining sector, continuing this cooperation. We have not yet achieved peace. Our children and livestock are still being killed by mine explosions. Afghans continue to be victims of landmines,” said Kamran Aman, a military analyst.
Tom Fletcher arrived in Afghanistan on April 27, and his six-day trip is set to conclude tomorrow (Friday, May 2).
During the visit, he met with Islamic Emirate officials in Kabul, Kandahar, and Kunduz, emphasizing the continuation of UN humanitarian cooperation.