KABUL - A major Afghan organisation, working to promote a coordinated approach to humanitarian assistance to the country, on Tuesday floated several suggestions to ensure effectives of foreign aid.
ACBAR's main mandate is to serve and facilitate the work of its 151 national and international NGO members to address efficiently the development and humanitarian needs of Afghans.
Ahead of the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), to be held in Istanbul, on May 26 and 27, ACBAR called the unprecedented event the first gathering of its size and scope on humanitarian action.
An n initiative of the United Nations secretary-general, the gathering bring the global community together to map out a new humanitarian approach that is more inclusive and more representative of the needs and challenges of millions of people today
With the humanitarian system being stretched across the globe, crises in South Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and the Central African Republic and the Ebola crisis, Afghanistan must not be forgotten, a statement from the agency stressed.
Based on consultations with humanitarian actors across the country, ACBAR urged WHS to support to Afghan institutions, NGOs and local communities’ capacity development through increased funding. Local actors be empowered to participate in efforts to localise humanitarian action and partner with humanitarian organisations.
WHS was asked to reaffirm commitment to respect and promote the humanitarian principles, impartiality and independence, as well as International Humanitarian Law.
Similarly, Afghanistanwas urged to commit to engaging with stakeholders from different sides of the conflict so as to ensure respect for and understanding of International Humanitarian Law.
The planned assembly was asked to prioritise and fund need-based humanitarian programmes that target vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and persons with disabilities. (Pajhwok)