Source: Amnesty International
Responding to the devastating earthquake that struck eastern provinces of Afghanistan, Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, said:
“Amnesty International expresses its deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake that has come at a time when Afghanistan faces a multitude of existing crises.
“More than 22 million people, almost half of the country’s population, already remain in need of humanitarian assistance in the country. The humanitarian crisis is further deepened by the mass deportation of more than 1.9 million Afghan refugees and asylum seekers from Iran and Pakistan – many of whom had been living in makeshift tents near the borders. Additionally, many donor countries, including the US, have cut or scaled back aid and assistance for the people of Afghanistan.
“The Taliban de-facto authorities have also been responsible for the shrinking of operations of humanitarian and aid agencies in the country due to restrictive policies and a ban on Afghan women working for the UN as well as other NGOs in Afghanistan. This is part of the Taliban’s systematic attack on human rights in the country.
“Amnesty International calls on the Taliban de facto authorities to ensure immediate and unimpeded access to all humanitarian organizations and to remove administrative barriers delaying needs assessments. They must attend to the needs of the affected communities and ensure that rescue and relief efforts are carried out without discrimination. Special measures must be put in place to ensure that the human rights of the most at-risks groups who often face compounded challenges in crisis situations, including women, children, older persons, and people with disabilities, are guaranteed in relief and recovery efforts.
“In times of crisis, it is vital that human rights protections are at the heart of the response. The Taliban de-facto authorities must ensure that they uphold their human rights obligations and take steps to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance in a manner that is non-discriminatory and effective in responding to people’s needs.”
Background:
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck just before midnight local time in eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. At least 800 people have been killed and 2,500 injured as several villages are completely destroyed.
Afghanistan suffered a devastating magnitude-6.3 earthquake in October 2023, which flattened villages and left thousands killed. Due to sanctions, international isolation and Taliban interference, rescue workers said at the time, that there was little to no aid available for the people and thousands remained trapped for days without help.
