The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has announced the suspension of all its activities in Afghanistan, citing safety concerns for its employees. This decision comes after a request from the Taliban movement, as reported by Swedish Radio.
The committee made the decision to halt operations on March 15, in response to increased threats and negative messages from the Taliban. Andreas Stefansson, the secretary-general of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, emphasized that the safety of their employees is paramount, especially amidst the current volatile situation in the region.
This isn't the first time the committee has faced challenges in Afghanistan. In the summer, the Taliban suspended the organization's activities after an incident in Sweden where a man burned a Quran. The Taliban demanded an apology from Sweden, linking the incident to the committee's work in Afghanistan.
Andreas Stefansson highlighted that despite the suspension of activities, the Taliban continue to operate in several areas with local and regional support. He expressed concerns over conducting work and activities without proper authorization, which could pose significant risks to their personnel.
The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has been operational in the country for the past 40 years, providing development aid to vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the disabled. Their work has been extensive, with over 6,000 employees spread across different regions of Afghanistan.
In 2022 alone, the committee's efforts resulted in significant achievements, including the attendance of more than 133,000 children, with a majority being girls, in schools supported by the organization. Moreover, over 2.5 mn patient visits were made to SCA’s clinics and hospitals, benefiting women, children, and individuals with disabilities.
SCA operates as a non-governmental organization (NGO) and is not affiliated with any government. It receives funding from various sources, including UN agencies, the EU, and private individuals. The organization's dedication to Afghanistan's development and its unwavering presence amidst conflict underscores its commitment to the Afghan people's welfare.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)