How can we have access to women when the rules state they must not mingle with any men unless they are in the company of a male chaperone? |
It is possible that any attempt to communicate with the outside world could put staff at risk of their lives. |
Overall the security situation in Mazar remains somewhat unstable. As of this morning, we heard reports that along with occasional looting there is also 'punitive action' that is being carried out. We have also heard that fighting is continuing in and around the city. |
People need to distinguish between combatants and those innocent civilians who do not bear arms. They also need to be mindful for protecting assets essential for the survival of Afghan civilians. |
The fact that 80 Member States came to this event and pledged more than $200 million is a very positive development indeed. We very much appreciate the commitment. |
The problem is that some of the funding has been slow, or uneven. |
The talks after one day were said to have been extremely delicate and complicated. They focused on a number of different issues concerning U.N. humanitarian operations all over Afghanistan. |
The UN and other aid agencies are still able to cater to the needs of the people, but their activities are being disrupted by the insecurity. |
This is exactly what we had feared. We need to continue to do as much as possible to help mitigate this situation and prevent, insofar as that's possible, any such occurrences in the future. |
We are looking now at setting up teams in all the surrounding countries, such as Turkmenistan and Iran who will be in a position in safe areas to deliver aid deeper inside the country where people most need it. |
We will urge that donors be prepared to go the distance. |