Perspectives and Hopes for Kabul Conference

As members of the international community gather in Kabul for the International Conference on Afghanistan, InterAction is pleased that the expected focus of the conference is “Afghan priorities for the Afghan people”. As a coalition with members that have had humanitarian and development operations in Afghanistan for decades, InterAction urges close attention to the following recommendations:

• Increase funding for humanitarian activities and prioritize improved access to vulnerable populations.
• Ensure international assistance is driven by Afghan and long-term development needs, not short-term political objectives.
• Give particular attention to vulnerable groups.
• Deliver assistance equitably throughout the country.
• Improve the delivery of services throughout the country at the local level.
• Strengthen the existing coordination mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian and development aid.

The Kabul Conference offers an opportunity for the Afghan government, the United Nations, international delegations, the international aid community and civil society to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the Afghan people by addressing their humanitarian and development priorities. However, these plans and programs will only bear fruit if they are followed by a realistic plan of action, committed implementation, and a process that is broadly inclusive of and monitored by all parties, including civil society actors.

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