Return of Swiss aid in Kabul is welcomed
Published: Sunday, Sep 22nd 2024, 07:30
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The regional director responsible for Afghanistan at the UN Development Program has welcomed the reopening of a Swiss humanitarian office in Kabul. Among other things, the local presence facilitates cooperation with the development program, said Kanni Wignaraja.
In an interview with "SonntagsBlick", Wignaraja called for noise to be made abroad and the situation in Afghanistan to be sharply criticized. She is Asia-Pacific Regional Director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
At the same time, however, we also need to be present on the ground, said Wignaraja. When asked by the newspaper to what extent this specifically helps the civilian population, she gave an example: the UNDP supports 75,000 micro-enterprises owned by women on the ground with around 100 dollars a month. These women employ other people and thus feed thousands of households. "People need work, not handouts," said Wignaraja.
The Swiss government plans to reopen the humanitarian office in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, which was closed three years ago, in the fall. Four members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit will be responsible for implementing, supporting and monitoring the projects financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in the country.
No understanding for UNRWA payment freeze
However, the UN representative also criticized Switzerland in the interview. She could not understand why the National Council wanted to stop payments to the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). "Switzerland's decision could have enormous consequences," she said. The aid organization is the rock of the country and is responsible for the most basic needs of the people on the ground. "Investment in UNRWA and the United Nations Development Program is a must," said Wignaraja.
In May, the Federal Council released a contribution of ten million francs to UNRWA for emergency aid. It argued unsuccessfully in the National Council at the beginning of September that an immediate stop to payments would have serious consequences for the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. The Council of States is still debating the motion.
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