In a report released yesterday, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called the security situation in Afghanistan unstable. Annan named the expansion of the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) beyond the capital city of Kabul as “the best way to fill in the security gap” that threatens the peace in Afghanistan, according to a UN release.
“The overall situation throughout Afghanistan remains fragile and, in many areas, exhibits signs of deterioration,” Annan says in his quarterly report on Afghanistan, Sify reports. “Without security, the accomplishments of the Government of Afghanistan and the significant investments of the international community are at risk,” the report states, according to the UN release. Annan emphasizes that the security situation must improve in order for the elections slated for summer 2004 to be held in a fair and free manner that allows Afghans to fully participate in the political process. A report issued by Human Rights Watch this week also called for the expansion of ISAF in an effort to protect women’s rights and promote full participation in the elections.
The Feminist Majority has been leading the call for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) expansion, increased reconstruction funding, and for more resources to support the work of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Independent Human Rights Commission in order to protect women’s rights in Afghanistan.
TAKE ACTION Urge Bush to Expand Peacekeeping Troops in Afghanistan
