Afghanistan: New policy a lifeline to more than half a million internally displaced
Afghanistan’s new policy to help more than 600,000 internally displaced people, many of whom live on the brink of
starvation and in cramped makeshift dwellings, is a milestone, said Amnesty International. However, the organization
warns that it will only succeed with sustained political and financial backing.
The Afghan government is expected to launch on 11 February its new national policy aimed at meeting the urgent human
rights and humanitarian needs of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), more than 100,000 of whom have fled conflict
in 2013 alone.
“Increased protection for Afghanistan’s displaced, many of whom live in desperate conditions, has been a long time
coming. We applaud the government for finally pushing this crucial policy through,” said Horia Mosadiq, Amnesty
International’s Afghanistan Researcher.
“The IDP policy could go a long way to improving the lives of more than half a million displaced persons but it needs
sustained political backing and funds. This has to be more than just a promise on paper – we’ll be watching to see how
much the government actually achieves over the next year.”
The IDP policy, drafted by the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation with UN assistance, has been several years in the
making. It contains many innovative measures that could dramatically improve the lives of displaced Afghans, in
particular women, children and the elderly.
This includes helping IDPs integrate within new communities and protecting them against forced evictions from their new
homes. The policy crucially also recognizes IDPs as defined under international law, which should result in hundreds of
thousands more having access to much-needed assistance.
“We’re delighted that many of our recommendations have been taken on board,” said Horia Mosadiq.
“For this IDP policy to have any real chance of success, however, effective coordination between the government, NGOs,
international agencies and donors is vital. Those who have been forced to flee their homes deserve better than
continuing misery and dire poverty.”
Amnesty International is also calling for independent oversight of the policy’s implementation, including public
reporting on continuing challenges.
ENDS