UNITED NATIONS GETS CLEARER PICTURE OF AFGHAN DISPLACEMENT

Press Release
AFG/102
PI/1163

UNITED NATIONS GETS CLEARER PICTURE OF AFGHAN DISPLACEMENT

Islamabad, 13 August (UN Information Centre) -- The Spokesman for the United Nations in Afghanistan, Stephanie Bunker, announced today at the regular United Nations Information Centre briefing that more information about the situation of those displaced by the recent fighting north of Kabul is emerging. As the United Nations assessments of the situation continue, several separate groups of displaced have been identified. Ms. Bunker confirmed that some families interviewed have indicated that they were transported from their homes of origin against their will.

In the Afghan capital, two separate groups of displaced exist: those who have sought shelter in a former diplomatic compound, and those who have dispersed throughout the city. In the diplomatic compound, some 2,300 individuals have received food aid in the last five days and have also been provided with safe drinking water and latrines. United Nations monitoring indicates that their living conditions are far from ideal and that some residents are suffering from diarrhoeal diseases as well as, eye and skin infections. However, she emphasized that city clinics around the compound are capable of treating these medical problems if the need arises.

Ms. Bunker said that the World Food Programme (WFP) has now offered a food ration to these families for up to an additional 15 days, if they decide to remain. After this period, the United Nations has informed both the Taliban authorities and the compound residents that the ration will be stopped, and the responsibility will revert to the local authorities.

Referring to the group of displaced persons who are temporarily living in Kabul outside the compound, the Spokesman indicated that the number is still undetermined. The United Nations and NGOs are conducting surveys to determine their condition, which so far remains stable. Clinics in Kabul have reported no significant increase in patients seeking medical assistance.

In northern Afghanistan, a relatively small number of displaced persons have also been reported in Pulikhumri (Baghlan Province) and in Kunduz, Takhar and Badakshan Provinces. Ms. Bunker observed that a recent mission to Badakshan Province found that only very limited numbers of displaced had reached Badakshan, and that no large numbers were arriving at present.

- 2 - Press Release AFG/102 PI/1163 13 August 1999

Since further fighting is continuing at the front lines north of Kabul, the United Nations is currently making contingency plans in the event of further displacement. This includes pre-positioning emergency supplies, including shelter materials in Tajikistan, in collaboration with United Nations agencies in Tajikistan.

In a separate matter, Ms. Bunker said that the United Nations in Afghanistan was resuming this week, a permanent presence of international staff in Jalalabad for the first time since the evacuation of international staff from Afghanistan in August 1998. Kabul, Herat, and now Jalalabad are stations that are open with international staff. All other stations are open with national staff.

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