Following President Obama’s announcement of a new strategy for Afghanistan, InterAction urges the administration and Congress to remember the country’s critical humanitarian and development needs.

The administration must ensure that political and security priorities do not undermine effective humanitarian relief and long-term development efforts. Only a sustained development program addressing the underlying causes of poverty, insecurity and instability will achieve results.

“The unmet basic needs of the Afghan people are tremendous,” said Samuel A. Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction. “It is imperative that these be addressed. The U.S. must commit to a comprehensive development strategy centered on poverty reduction.”

As the administration moves toward implementation of its new strategy, the U.S. and other donors must commit to long-term development projects that are rooted in community needs, local capacities, and an understanding of cultural factors have the best chance of long-term success. Aid programs with weak or no local support run the risk of undermining community bonds, fueling corruption, and weakening relationships between citizens and their government. Development programs must enable local, provincial and national Afghan institutions to meet the needs of Afghans and thereby build popular support.

Read More:

• Full Statement on Critical Precepts for a Comprehensive Afghanistan Strategy