UNITED NATIONS EVALUATES DISPLACEMENT IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN

Press Release
AFG/104
PI/1166

UNITED NATIONS EVALUATES DISPLACEMENT IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN

ISLAMABAD, 27 August (UN Information Centre) -- A five-member United Nations Assessment team left for the Panjshir Valley last Sunday, announced Stephanie Bunker, Spokesperson for the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance for Afghanistan, at the weekly United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) press briefing. The Panjshir Valley, held by the Northern Alliance, is of concern to the United Nations, because it is very difficult to access with humanitarian aid -- even in good weather, and may prove insecure to the displaced population there.

The assessment of the numbers of displaced persons in that area and their needs is still under way. However, reports by the Northern Alliance of 250,000 displaced persons appear to be exaggerated. "In fact, the situation in the Panjshir is still very fluid", said Ms. Bunker. Estimates established by non- governmental organizations (NGOs) working in the area put the number of displaced persons at between 60,000 to 75,000. A definitive estimate is difficult at this point because the displaced are in several locations. Also, a number of displaced men seem to be shuttling back and forth from the Panjshir to the Shomali Valley to bring back possessions and supplies, or to work on their fields. While most of the displaced in the area appear to have found temporary housing with local families, some are in need of food, shelter and blankets.

Local authorities have in some cases tried to help the displaced by providing supplies. Although these efforts have been sporadic and limited, Ms. Bunker said, "they represent a positive step". The United Nations is also contributing by prepositioning supplies for the displaced in Panjshir. As a first measure, the World Food Programme (WFP) is now sending to Panjshir 108 metric tonnes of food that it had stocked in Tajikistan. In parallel, an NGO in the area is distributing a limited amount of food.

In Kabul, displacement continues from the Shomali Valley on a daily basis. New arrivals confirm that houses and crops have been destroyed. They also report systematic destruction of the agricultural system. Boundary walls are being demolished, and irrigation systems wrecked. This is resulting in the loss of trees and important fruit crops ready for harvest. "If this is widespread, it will have a devastating impact on local communities", said Ms. Bunker.

- 2 - Press Release AFG/104 PI/1166 27 August 1999

The diplomatic compound in Kabul, occupied by displaced persons, now houses 7,000 people. They are being assisted by emergency food aid provided by the WFP, and by bread distributions from the local authorities. Given the increasing numbers of displaced in the compound, their vulnerability and the low probability of their return in the short term, the WFP food ration, which was scheduled to end today, has been extended for up to another 30 days. The local authorities have been requested to provide unlimited access to the compound by the United Nations and to continue the bread distributions. The United Nations has also requested that they provide rice and vegetables to vary the diet.

* *** *