Some residents have expressed concerns over the suspension of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) activities, emphasizing the crucial role aid organizations play in sectors such as health care and education. The halt, they argue, will adversely affect the Afghan population.
The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has been engaged in education, health care, rural development, and support for people with disabilities in Afghanistan for 43 years.
According to official information from the SCA, women, children, and individuals with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries of the committee’s assistance.
SCA data reveals that its health services reached 2.5 million patients annually in Swedish-operated hospitals and clinics across Afghanistan, with nearly one million of these being women.
Residents argue that the cessation of the SCA’s operations will significantly harm Afghanistan’s citizens, depriving them of essential services.
“Foreign organizations working in Afghanistan fundamentally serve the Afghan people’s interests. Their forced departure will only harm Afghanistan,” stated Aminullah, a Kunduz resident.
Tamana, from Baghlan, added, “The presence of international agencies greatly benefits the Afghan population, especially women and children.”
“Agencies that have ceased operations in Afghanistan should resume their work,” urged Yalda, a Kabul resident.
The SCA’s activities spanned 14 Afghan provinces, including Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, Balkh, Jawzjan, Baghlan, Samangan, Bamyan, Wardak, Ghazni, Paktia, Kunar, Laghman, and Nangarhar.
The organization’s official page notes that 8,000 Afghans were employed by the committee, working towards an Afghanistan “free from poverty, violence, and discrimination.”
Women’s rights advocate Raheel Tashah commented, “The suspension of the Swedish Committee’s operations is disheartening news, as charities are pivotal to societal well-being, particularly the SCA, which has made significant contributions in health and education.”
The Taliban suspended all activities of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan in July, following incidents of disrespect to the Holy Quran in Sweden. Swedish media have recently reported on the suspension.
