MISSION IN PANJSHIR VALLEY CONFIRMS 100,000 DISPLACED

Press Release
AFG/105
PI/1169

MISSION IN PANJSHIR VALLEY CONFIRMS 100,000 DISPLACED

ISLAMABAD, 3 September (UN Information Centre) -- Stephanie Bunker, United Nations Spokesperson for Afghanistan, announced today that the recent United Nations mission to the Panjshir Valley (Northern Afghanistan) has found that up to 100,000 persons have been displaced by recent fighting in the area. "Originally working with estimates provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the displaced themselves, the mission found the figures to be relatively accurate after cross- checking in 17 locations”, she said. The United Nations has previously confirmed the presence of another 40,000 displaced persons in Kabul.

In Panjshir, about 50 to 70 per cent of the displaced have found shelter with local families, while others are either housed in public buildings or are out in the open. "As in Kabul, where the majority of the displaced have been supported by the local population, it is heartening to see such hospitality in Panjshir, even from people who have little themselves," Ms. Bunker said. She welcomed the news that local authorities have also tried to help the displaced with the few resources they have.

While the health situation in the Valley is now under control, the displaced still need food, shelter and blankets against the increasingly chilly weather. The United Nations is sending in 108 metric tonnes of food aid to the area, which is expected to arrive today or tomorrow. In addition, the most needy among the displaced will be assisted by the United Nations with a one-time distribution of food and non-food supplies. Transport of plastic sheeting and blankets is also under way.

On the issue of Hazarajat (Central Highlands), the Regional Coordinator for the United Nations in that region, Michael Semple, said that the people of Hazarajat, one of the most desolate parts of Afghanistan but not affected by the current fighting, are also confronted with hunger and poverty. "Now that the guns have fallen silent over the last three months, United Nations work in Hazarajat has been able to move forward", he stated.

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"People's ability to survive has been stretched to the utmost", said Mr. Semple. "How much more can they take?" United Nations surveys have recently identified as many as 200,000 to 300,000 persons among the most vulnerable in Hazarajat. Across 10 districts, they are being assisted through a combined United Nations and NGO food-security programme to help 30,000 households feed their families with dignity.

He noted that in Bamyan District of Hazarajat, 100 per cent of the population had been displaced in the spring conflict. The burden of looking after the displaced has mainly been borne by ordinary people in neighbouring districts. "As elsewhere in Afghanistan, people in Hazarajat who can barely feed their own families have become host to as many as four families". In Bamyan, two thirds of the population have now returned and are starting to rebuild their lives. They are, however, finding little to help them survive. Half of the houses have been destroyed or damaged, and vital assets lost. In a special rehabilitation project for Bamyan, the United Nations and partner agencies are committed to distribute food, provide employment, and help people rebuild their houses, and rehabilitate health services.

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