3. Humanitarian Crisis
Red Cross workers have been removing bodies of Taliban fighters from the area around Kandahar airport. A spokesperson for The World Food Program (WFP) has described the condition of about 22,000 people in Kunduz as "extremely difficult and rough". The Amnesty International has stressed the need for arrangements to protect the Taliban prisoner of war.
"Red Cross collects bodies in Kandahar"
"Foreigners be provided protection, says AI"
A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has asked Afghan refugees not to return to their homes because of the poor security situation in Afghanistan. There have been reports of Afghan refugees in Pakistan returning back to Afghanistan. Through various measures, including troop deployment along its border with Afghanistan, Pakistani government has prevented the anticipated inflow of a large number of Afghan refugees into the country.
"UNHCR asks refugees not to rush back"
"DPs begin returning to Afghanistan voluntarily"
"Refugees influx effectively blocked, says official"
The recent opening of the Friendship Bridge linking Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, as well as the Nijni Pyandj - Shirkhan Bandar River crossing between Tajikistan and Afghanistan was welcomed by the UNHCR. Writing for the Far Eastern Economic Review, Murray Hiebert describes the difficulties faced by various humanitarian aid agencies in getting emergency supplies to millions of Afghans.
"UN hails opening of aid routes to Kabul"
"No Progress For the Hungry"