Switzerland postpones opening of humanitarian office in Kabul again
Published: Friday, Oct 11th 2024, 17:00
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Switzerland has postponed the opening of its humanitarian office in the Afghan capital Kabul, which was planned for this year, until 2025. This is due to additional clarifications regarding the implementation of the security plan, as announced by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
The office was originally due to reopen in July. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) later postponed the start until the fall. The FDFA justified the new postponement by stating that the safety of its staff on site was always its top priority.
The office is not expected to reopen before 2025, the statement continued. The clarifications must be carried out with the necessary care and time. As soon as the operational details in the security plan have been clarified, the office will also open. The FDFA will provide information in due course.
Until then, the FDFA will continue to coordinate Swiss-paid humanitarian aid for the Afghan civilian population from the Pakistani capital Islamabad. It will also manage ongoing projects from there.
According to earlier information from the FDFA, a presence in Kabul enables a better understanding of the situation on the ground. It also facilitates the monitoring of projects and closer coordination with other donor countries. The aim is to support the population as effectively as possible.
Closed after Taliban takeover
According to the current plans, former local employees will also return to work for the office. They had worked there until August 2021. The closure followed the takeover by the Islamist Taliban and the withdrawal of US troops and their allies.
The office will not provide consular services. Afghans must continue to apply for visas at the Swiss embassy in Islamabad.
The Taliban have drastically restricted human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls. According to UN figures, around half of the population in Afghanistan is dependent on humanitarian aid. That is around 24 million people.
©Keystone/SDA
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