UN Halts Return of Refugees to Afghanistan

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has suspended the return of refugees to Afghanistan’s central and northern regions because of deteriorating security as a result of rival warlords. The Feminist Majority, UN, other humanitarian aid organizations and the new Afghan government have issued repeated pleas to the US government to support expansion of UN peacekeeping troops into the outer regions of Afghanistan in order to combat this lack of security in the north and other regions of the country.

“There is also an upsurge in criminal activities, including robberies, rapes and murders in the region,” Yusuf Hassan, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees told the Associated Press. Refugees most affected will be those in need of UN help to return to homes in Faryab, Jozjan, Balkh and Samangan provinces, the Associated Press reported.

TAKE ACTION Emergency Call-in for Expansion of Peace Troops in Afghanistan

Media Resources: Associated Press 7/2/02; Feminist Majority 6/21/02

© Feminist Majority Foundation, publisher of Ms. magazine

If you liked this story, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Ms. magazine.