Federal government does not want to open humanitarian office in Afghanistan until fall
Published: Sunday, Jul 21st 2024, 11:50
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The Swiss government plans to move back into the humanitarian office in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, which was closed three years ago, in the fall instead of this summer. This is due to technical, logistical and operational issues, some of which have led to delays.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) informed the Keystone-SDA news agency on Sunday that the entire equipment will be installed with great care and the planning will be continuously adapted to the circumstances. The SDC thus confirmed a corresponding report in the "NZZ am Sonntag" newspaper.
Four members of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit are to staff the office, which is about to reopen. The team, which is to be stationed in Kabul again next fall, will be responsible for the implementation, support and monitoring of the projects financed by the SDC in Afghanistan, the statement continued.
On a "technical level", the reinstalled office is also making contact with Taliban representatives. This is where they are necessary for the implementation of the projects.
Meanwhile, the Swiss embassy in neighboring Pakistan remains responsible for consular services and diplomatic contacts, the statement continued. The Swiss government closed the humanitarian office in Kabul and evacuated its staff after the radical Islamist Taliban took power again in August 2021. Since then, the team has been working from the Pakistani capital Islamabad.
The SDC's projects help to protect human rights and meet basic needs, according to the Directorate's website. According to the SDC, Switzerland contributed CHF 30 million to alleviating the humanitarian needs of the Afghan population last year.
©Keystone/SDA
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