Germany helping Afghans
Posted By: Erica I’m in Kunduz now, in the north of Afghanistan. Kunduz saw heavy fighting and bombardment in 2001,…
Aid isn’t one-size-fits-all…
Posted By: Marla B. Erica’s story illustrates an interesting point. As you well know, we believe civilians suffering in armed…
Shar-e-Cott, pt. 1
Posted By: Erica In Afghanistan, even when there is the will and the resources, increasing security considerations often make it…
Exploding Threat to Afghans
Posted By: Erica
On May 30th, 110 nations [now 111] signed the Cluster Munitions Treaty in Dublin, Ireland. The treaty bans the use, development and stockpiling of cluster munitions–a type of weapon that when dropped aerially or ground-launched, disperses hundreds or thousands of tiny submunitions (or bomblets) that can cover an area as wide as a football field. The submunitions are designed to explode on impact, but in many cases they don’t, leaving behind what are functionally hundreds of mini-landmines. The Cluster Munition Treaty recognizes requires clean up and – finally – assistance to civilians harmed.
Air Raids in Gardez
Posted By: Erica
Today I went to a small city, Gardez, a few hours south of Kabul. I stayed at a UN guesthouse and at different points of the day and night you could hear the faint sound of gunfire and explosions in the distance. Although Gardez itself is relatively stable, it’s only about 10 kilometers out from the hottest part of the province, an area believed to be a stronghold of the Taliban.
Disappearances, Pt. 2
Posted By: Erica When his family members went missing, Shafek went with his father and his uncle to the “front…
Disappearances, pt 1
Posted By: Erica I met with a man named Shafek today. He works with a victim’s group, helping develop transitional…
Marla B in Jordan: Where have all the doctors gone?
Posted By: Marla B. We’ve just finished interviewing several doctors – from a psychiatrist to a head and neck trauma…
GUEST BLOGGER: “Are you able to understand my pain?”
Posted By: Ana, working on human rights issues in Afghanistan “Are you able to understand my pain?” I hid my…