Thursday, 5 November 2009

Oxfam gets it wrong on Afghanistan

“There should be unified NATO command for all international forces in Afghanistan,

with a permanent mechanism to monitor operating standards of all units, ensure all

detainees are treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, including

those transferred to the custody of Afghan authorities, and strengthen coordination

with Afghan forces.”

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/policy/conflict_disasters/downloads/afghanistan_priorities.pdf 

Is it just me who finds Oxfam’s position on Afghanistan profoundly misjudged? The organisation has had an office in Afghanistan since 1992 (e.g. it was able to operate under previous regimes). It currently takes a position of supporting the occupation of Afghanistan. Surely a humanitarian organisation should simply seek to operate where it can, not take a position on the rights and wrongs of George Bush’s inherited foreign policy?

 

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