News
Afghan People First
1 March 2010
“There is no time left to waste to alleviate miseries and woes of the millions of Afghans living in acute poverty. Foreign governments must de-link their humanitarian and development efforts from their political and military objectives, and prioritise the needs of Afghans”
Farhana Faruqi Stocker, Afghanaid Managing Director
Join the fight against poverty in Afghanistan-
Read this Petition in Dari / Read this petition in Pashtu
Eight years after the overthrow of the Taliban and billions of dollars spent on aid and military operations, the situation in Afghanistan remains mired in extreme poverty and deeply insecure due to the ongoing war that is rapidly expanding and growing in its intensity. Meanwhile, millions of Afghans are fast losing hope; there is mounting sense of frustration and fear, their expectations from their own government and promises of change by the international community to improve their lives and meet their basic rights are not met.
Afghanistan is still one of the poorest places on Earth.
While international support is appreciated, it has not been doing a good enough job. Aid has too often been too focused along short term military and political goals. We need a longer term aid strategy which will help Afghans to improve their lives and basic needs. Failing to achieve real development and decent government will prolong the suffering and prolong the conflict.
2010 will be a pivotal year for Afghanistan, a series of summits will take place between foreign ministers, Afghanistan's President Karzai, the United Nations and NATO leaders to agree on a new plan for the country.
Join the fight against poverty in Afghanistan.
We call on the heads of states to implement a new plan based on Afghans' needs and owernship, not on short term political and military objectives. It's time to renew and increase our commitment in Afghanistan by focusing on poverty reduction.
Sign the petition below and pledge your commitment to a renewal in putting Afghans first in the fight for poverty reduction in Afghanistan.