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| Section The ICRC in Afghanistan
©ICRC/Mayar/af-e-01276
Herat. The Afghan Red Crescent Society distributing relief items to vulnerable people.
The armed conflict in Afghanistan is intensifying and affecting more areas of the country. Regular fighting between armed groups and national and international forces take place regularly in more than half of Afghanistan's territory. Also in provinces not thus affected by open armed confrontations, roadside bombs and suicide bombings occur on a regular basis. While the south and the south-east remain the most conflict-affected region, the eastern provinces have also seen deterioration in the security situation.
The ICRC continues to respond to the needs of people affected by the armed conflict, though security constraints still hamper humanitarian operations in many areas. Our world. Your move. in Afghanistan
The year 2009 has great significance for the ICRC and the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: it marks the 150th anniversary of the battle of Solferino and the 60th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949. In observance of these anniversaries, the Movement has launched a campaign, Our world. Your move, to remind everyone of his or her individual responsibility to lessen human suffering. Afghanistan is one of the countries being highlighted as part of the campaign. Fighting continues in all but nine of the country’s 34 provinces, making life extremely hard for civilians caught in the middle.  Key document6-11-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC maintains neutral, independent, humanitarian assistanceDespite a recent attack on a guest house in Kabul housing United Nations personnel, the ICRC is continuing its efforts to help Afghans affected by the armed conflict. The organization’s neutrality and independence, intensive dialogue with all sides and the trust of ordinary Afghans are enabling the ICRC to provide aid where it is most needed. Reto Stocker is the ICRC’s head of delegation in Afghanistan. He explains how the ICRC continues to work in this challenging context. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Interview 26-10-2009 Persons detained by the US in relation to armed conflict and the fight against terrorism – the role of the ICRCThis document explains the purpose of the ICRC's visits to places of detention run by the United States in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the procedures that the organization follows. (The ICRC worldwide\The Americas\United States) Operational update 15-10-2009 Afghanistan: no respite for civilians as violence continuesDespite the Ramadan celebrations, attacks and fighting continued daily throughout September. Once again, civilians bore the brunt of the violence. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 25-9-2009 Afghanistan: the human cost of warPatrick Hamilton, who has just finished a stint as deputy head of the ICRC’s delegation in Afghanistan, leaves the country as the conflict is spreading and intensifying. He talks about how the ICRC has been able to expand its operations over the past few years thanks to its principles of neutrality and independence. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Interview Includes Photo 10-8-2009 ICRC survey on the impact of armed conflict on civilians: views from AfghanistanTo raise awareness of the impact of armed conflict or other situations of armed violence on civilians, the ICRC has launched a vast research programme in eight of the most troubled countries in the world. Two reports present the results of the survey in Afghanistan. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Report Includes PDF Feature28-9-2009 Afghanistan: in a quiet corner, the laundry ladies of Mirwais hospital go about their work It would be easy to overlook the contribution of the women in the laundry room and tailoring workshop to the running of southern Afghanistan’s largest hospital in Kandahar. Yet without them, it would grind to a halt. The ICRC's Jessica Barry talks about their trials, strength and courage. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 4-9-2009 Afghanistan: polluted water triggers health alert in Kandahar provinceWhen several members of one family in the Kajur area of Kandahar province died recently, and over 100 others in the same village fell sick with watery diarrhoea, alarm bells started ringing. On 22 August alone, nearly 40 patients were taken to Mirwais hospital in Kandahar for treatment. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature 24-8-2009 Storytellers bring a touch of magic to health promotion in Afghanistan Ensuring that families know about simple basic health care is an important part of the ICRC's water and habitat programme in Afghanistan. Jessica Barry joined a team of hygiene promoters on their daily round. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 18-8-2009 Mirwais hospital: ICRC staff manage to work in dire circumstances Journalist Nima Elbagir and cameraman Jake Simkin visited the ICRC-supported Mirwais hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Here, they share their impressions of the humanitarian situation and of the ICRC and its work in the hospital. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 22-7-2009 Afghanistan: a village in Bamiyan province vows to get clean water Life is tough for people living in rural Afghanistan, including those in the beautiful but remote province of Bamiyan. The ICRC's Habibullah Hussaini met villagers who are determined to make a difference in their lives by improving their access to clean drinking water. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 22-5-2009 Afghanistan: time out in Kabul When the sadness of life that is so often manifest on Kabul’s dusty streets becomes overwhelming, there is no better place to go than the ICRC Orthopaedic Centre in Ali Abad on the city's outskirts, as ICRC communication coordinator Jessica Barry found out. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 15-5-2009 Afghanistan: portraits of the blind Dad-e-Khuda, Zalmai and Jamaluddin are all blind and live in the Afghan Red Crescent Society’s Marastoon in Kabul. Here they find the support they need to cope with life, and have the opportunity to learn new skills that give hope for a better future. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 8-5-2009 Afghanistan: in Kabul, a house for the destitute becomes a place of hope for the mentally ill There are very few places in Afghanistan where the mentally sick can find care. ICRC communication coordinator, Jessica Barry, together with a colleague, visited one of them. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 8-4-2009 Afghanistan: assistance to the war-woundedIn 1979, following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the ICRC started providing medical and surgical assistance in Pakistan to Afghans wounded in the fighting. Based in Kabul since 1987, the ICRC has consistently sought to provide neutral, independent support to health structures and staff across Afghanistan, and to care for conflict victims. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 23-1-2009 Afghanistan: Sandali stoves, a blessing and a curseIn Afghanistan the Sandali stove is a popular, cheap heating method. But its use is also fraught with danger, such as asphyxiation or accidental burning. The ICRC’s Jessica Barry explains. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 13-11-2008 Afghanistan: the story of AlidadHundreds of thousands of Afghans in the north of the country may have to leave their homes this winter because of drought, insecurity and rising food prices. The ICRC and the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) have launched a major food distribution operation for 280,000 people in the provinces of Kunduz, Balkh, Faryab and Badghis, in northern and north-western Afghanistan. A report from Wahab Sifil and Zalmai of the ICRC’s Kabul delegation and Mazar sub-delegation. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 16-10-2008 Afghanistan: feeding families in needThe humanitarian situation remains grim in Afghanistan owing to the protracted conflict and chronic food insecurity, aggravated, among other things, by rising global food prices. With the winter looming, the ICRC has increased its emergency programmes for impoverished populations. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 23-9-2008 Afghanistan: family visit programme begins for Bagram detaineesFor the first time, families of people in US custody at Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base can see their relatives in person. The ICRC’s Abdul Hassib Rahimi reports from Kabul. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 19-5-2008 Afghanistan: students at Kandahar earn top marks for blood donationMirwais hospital in Kandahara is the reference health facility for conflict-affected southern Afghanistan, covering provinces such as Kandahar and Helmand. But its operations are often at risk because of a shortage of blood. The ICRC's Abdul Kabir reports. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 13-5-2008 Afghanistan: hope rising from the ashesInjuries from landmines over the last 25 years have left an estimated 100,000 or more Afghan people handicapped. Scattered throughout the country, landmines bring sudden and unexpected tragedy to many families. This is the story of Saddiq Ali, whose shattered life the ICRC is helping to rebuild. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 2-5-2008 Afghanistan: video calls provide vital link to families of detaineesEarly in 2008, the ICRC and American authorities set up a system to enable individuals held at the US detention facility in Bagram to communicate with their families via video-teleconference calls. The ICRC's tracing field officer in Kabul, Haji Abu Sayed, tells the story of Janan, a nomadic herdsman who travelled long and far to see his son. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Feature Includes Photo 10-4-2008 Ronaldo makes donation to Afghan mine victims on behalf of UEFACristiano Ronaldo was presented with a cheque for CHF100,000 (€63,100) by UEFA for the Score for the Red Cross charitable campaign prior to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg between Manchester United FC and AS Roma at Old Trafford. (Help the ICRC\Clubs and associations) Feature Includes Photo 5-11-2007 The Cairo Chronicles : bits of life in KabulAlberto Cairo is head of the ICRC's programmes for the war disabled in Afghanistan. Over the past 18 years he has met many ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Extracts from his diary. (ICRC Activities\Assistance\Health\Physical rehabilitation) Feature Includes Photo Field newsletter8-6-2009 The ICRC orthopaedic programme in AfghanistanThe ICRC has been permanently present in Afghanistan since 1987, and the orthopaedic programme was one of its first activities. The first ICRC Orthopaedic Centre opened in Kabul in 1988. More than 90,000 Afghan disabled have been assisted through the Orthopaedic Programme. Today, this programme is the ICRC's largest activity in Afghanistan and the institution is more than ever committed to do its utmost to continue supporting physically disabled Afghans. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Field newsletter Includes PDF 12-5-2009 Afghanistan: delegation newsletter on healthNewsletter, January - March 2009 (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Field newsletter Includes PDF ICRC film7-6-2007 ICRC - 20 years in Afghanistan Through the words of those who have borne the brunt of Afghanistan's devastating conflicts, this film looks back on 20 years of uninterrupted ICRC presence in the country. Both beneficiaries and local staff describe the profound impact the ICRC's dedicated work has had on their lives and on those of their fellow countrymen from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Films\Assistance) ICRC film Includes Video 19-9-2006 Afghanistan: surviving the PeaceTravelling on roads, working in the fields or even walking to school are fraught with danger in many parts of Afghanistan. After decades of war the country is littered with landmines and explosives which continue to kill and maim. Among recent victims is 15-year-old Kabir who returns to the scene of his accident to tell his story. (Info resources\ICRC publications and films\Films\From the field) ICRC film Includes Video International Review of the Red Cross31-3-2007 Interview with Ms Fatima Gailani, President of the Afghan Red Crescent SocietyFatima Gailani has been serving as the president of the Afghan Red Crescent Society since 2004. She is the daughter of Pir Sayed Ahmed Gailani, the leader of the National Islamic Front of Afghanistan who fought against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. (Info resources\International Review\2007 - No. 865) International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF Interview30-3-2009 Afghanistan: 30 years of sufferingDirector of Operations Pierre Krähenbühl voices the ICRC's concern about how the Afghan conflict is hitting civilians increasingly hard. Unless the warring parties do more to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law, civilians will continue to bear the brunt of the violence. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Interview Includes Photo 18-2-2008 Humanitarian situation worsens as Afghan hostilities spreadThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. As armed hostilities spread and insecurity grows, more and more people are being forced to flee their homes. It is also becoming increasingly difficult for the ICRC to access displaced people throughout the country. In addition, freezing temperatures and blizzards have affected several areas, killing hundreds. Interview with Franz Rauchenstein, ICRC deputy head of delegation in Afghanistan. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Interview Includes Photo Operational update18-9-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC hospital treats bomb victims during election periodThe recent elections in Afghanistan brought a spate of bombings. As well as helping treat the victims, the ICRC gave support to Afghan Red Crescent health operations and first-aid volunteers. Behind the scenes, ICRC personnel were busy promoting humanitarian law, visiting prisoners, helping disabled people to rejoin society and providing safe drinking water. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 12-8-2009 Afghanistan: caring for civilians caught up in conflictAfghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 119 delegates and 1,314 national staff based at the organization's main delegation in Kabul and in five sub-delegations and eight offices countrywide. This is an update on ICRC activities in the country in July 2009. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update Includes Photo 14-7-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities in June 2009Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 111 delegates and around 1,290 national staff based at the organization’s delegation in Kabul and in five sub-delegations and seven offices countrywide. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 10-6-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities in May 2009Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 96 delegates and around 1,255 national staff working at the delegation in Kabul, five sub-delegations and six offices around the country. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 13-5-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities in April 2009Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 109 delegates and around 1,270 national staff working at the organization’s delegation in Kabul and in five sub-delegations and six offices countrywide. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 16-4-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities in March 2009Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 96 delegates and around 1,255 national staff working at the delegation in Kabul, five sub-delegations and six offices around the country. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 1-4-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities in February 2009 Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 96 delegates and around 1,255 national staff working at the delegation in Kabul, five sub-delegations and six offices around the country. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 18-2-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities in January 2009Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 90 delegates and around 1,240 national staff based in its main delegation in Kabul and eight sub-delegations and offices countrywide. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update 14-1-2009 Afghanistan: ICRC activities from January to December 2008Afghanistan is one of the ICRC's biggest operations worldwide, with 100 delegates and 1,243 national staff based in its main delegation in Kabul and eight sub-delegations and offices elsewhere in the country. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Operational update Photo Collection11-11-2008 Afghanistan: seeing families through the harsh winter The worst drought in a decade, soaring food prices and relentless insecurity could force thousands of Afghans from their homes this winter in search of food and work. The ICRC and Afghan Red Crescent Society are working hard to meet the needs of 280,000 people in the northern and north-western provinces. (Info resources\Photos\Asia and the Pacific) Photo Collection Includes Photo 17-4-2008 Afganistan: landmine survivors play football As the clock counts down to Euro 2008 ™, the ICRC and UEFA have teamed up to help the survivors of landmines in Afghanistan through the www.scorefortheredcross.org campaign. Recently, a group of Afghan landmine victims organized a football match outside the ICRC's orthopaedic centre in Kabul to show their support for the charitable campaign. (Info resources\Photos\Asia and the Pacific) Photo Collection Includes Photo 7-4-2008 Afghanistan: armed conflict continues to exact a heavy toll After more than twenty years of being in the country, the ICRC is still providing a range of services to those affected by armed conflict in Afghanistan. These include supporting medical facilities, providing emergency assistance materials, visiting detainees, putting families back in touch and educating children about the dangers of unexploded munitions. (Info resources\Photos\Asia and the Pacific) Photo Collection Includes Photo 27-11-2007 Afghanistan – Measured success after decade of Mine-Ban Convention Ten years ago this December, the Mine-Ban Convention, or Ottawa Convention, was adopted by most of the world’s States. This photo essay explores some of the accomplishments and remaining challenges in one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. (Info resources\Photos\Asia and the Pacific) Photo Collection Includes Photo 4-6-2007 Afghanistan 20 years on: endless suffering, startling resilience This retrospective marks the 20th anniversary of the ICRC’s permanent presence in Afghanistan. It is meant to serve as a record of the unbearable suffering inflicted upon the Afghan people by 28 years of miserable war and as a tribute to their resilience. (Info resources\Photos\Asia and the Pacific) Photo Collection Includes Photo Press article29-4-2008 Score for the Red CrossFootball and the Red Cross Red Crescent may seem unlikely bedfellows, but recognition of shared values has helped forge a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship. In the context of the forthcoming EURO 2008™, UEFA and the ICRC have once again joined forces to bring aid to the victims of armed conflict - Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 1, 2008. (Help the ICRC\Clubs and associations) Press article 2-1-2008 Afghanistan: A tragic legacyA crossroads for conquest and commerce in the heart of Central Asia, Afghanistan is no stranger to violence and instability. Over the years, it has seen the caravans of the Silk Road and the armies of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane pass through. More recently, since 1979, the country has been ravaged by a succession of devastating conflicts. Article published in the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine, No 3, 2007 (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) Press article Includes Photo Press briefing1-4-2009 Afghanistan/Pakistan: put the humanitarian factor on the agendaJust before the conference on Afghanistan and Pakistan in The Hague, ICRC head of operations for South Asia Jacques de Maio called for humanitarian considerations to be high on the agenda. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific) Press briefing Includes Photo Video Collection13-10-2009 Afghanistan: sorrow beyond words - James Nachtwey's photos  James Nachtwey, a celebrated war photographer, went to Afghanistan in 2009 for the ICRC. He witnessed the hardships of some of the country's most vulnerable people. This collection of his work gives a glimpse of the human cost of war through his eyes. (Info resources\Video) Video Collection Includes Video 19-8-2009 A new life for Afghanistan's amputees Najmuddin suffered a personal tragedy more than 20 years ago when both his legs had to be amputated above the knee because of a landmine explosion. Today, he is a director of the ICRC's Orthopaedic Centre in Kabul where he meets and treats the victims of mines and improvised explosive devices every day. (Info resources\Video) Video Collection Includes Video More in this section9-4-2003 Homage to a slain delegateRicardo Munguia (39), ICRC water engineer, was shot dead in Afghanistan on 27 March 2003. Family, friends and colleagues paid tribute to him at a ceremony in Geneva on 2 April, during a day of mourning declared by the ICRC. (The ICRC worldwide\Asia and the Pacific\Afghanistan) |
