Afghanistan: Fears Over Backlash

May 12, 2005 -(Ockenden International) INTERNATIONAL NGOs have reacted with increasing concern to the murders of four women, including aid workers, in Afghanistan within the past two weeks.

One woman was stoned to death in Badakshan province after being accused of adultery. Three others were raped and strangled because they worked for an international aid organisation.

In the past, under the Taliban’s singular view of Islam, women were frequently denied basic human rights. Girls were banned from attending school and there was a prohibition on women working in most arenas outside of the home.

It is not clear if these recent attacks link the role of women working for international organisations with gender roles in the country. However, the situation is of very real concern.

In recent months there has been an increase in verbal attacks on international organisations in Afghanistan, including from inside the government. There are ongoing discussions around a draft NGO bill, which places certain additional restrictions on all NGOs, which some feel are over-restrictive.

In a recent interview with AlertNet, Graham Wood, head of policy at Ockenden International, explained that NGOs need to be accountable to the government and the people of Afghanistan.

“International organisations need to work with the government and the people to try and move ahead and reduce levels of poverty and gender inequality across the country,” he said.

A recent petition, which can be downloaded from this page (right), was drawn up by various local organisations and shares their concerns at current developments.

From: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/ACIO-6CBKL5?OpenDocument