In the last ten years, governments have spent billions of dollars of aid on Afghanistan. Some aid has made a real difference to people’s lives, and some economic growth has occurred. Yet many Afghans remain desperately poor, locked in a daily struggle for basic survival. The current official approach towards aid and development isn’t working.
We need a fresh approach. An approach that ensures official aid is used for the long-term benefit of the Afghan people, not for short-term military ends.
We need an approach that works with local grassroots initiatives, rather than imposing strategies from above. An approach that targets the needs of Afghans, especially the rights of women and girls, rather than accepting the status quo.
A fresh approach that builds on the proven examples of civilian-led initiatives that are working, that are improving livelihoods and bringing social change.
An approach that creates lasting change.
© Leslie Knott/Afghanaid
Fresh: re-engaging the people
Consider this: in 2009 in Afghanistan, almost US$2.5 billion was paid in bribes, equivalent to almost a quarter of the country’s national wealth, according to the UN.
It’s no wonder that many Afghan people feel cynical about prospects for positive change. Over the last few years, living standards for most Afghans haven’t improved, despite the influx of foreign dollars. The majority of people still live in extreme poverty. And all are affected by the widespread corruption that is having a corrosive effect on Afghan society.
We need a fresh approach that encourages, nurtures and supports people to play a positive part within Afghan society, building on the successes of civilian-led development programmes. An approach that enables people to use their dynamism and resourcefulness, giving them a real say in economic and development initiatives. A fresh approach that gives them the tools to improve their lives and shape their future at a local level and beyond.
An approach that ensures the future Afghanistan is their Afghanistan.
Only then will Afghan people be able to rebuild their lives, secure the basic rights most of us take for granted and restore their hope in a better future free from conflict. Only then will the future be built on solid foundations. Only then will the underlying foundations for a stable, peaceful, just future be laid.
It makes sense.
We believe... International aid to Afghanistan must focus first and foremost on reducing poverty, meeting human need and addressing any emergency humanitarian challenges. The use of aid in pursuit of military objectives must stop. Aid donors must be more accountable and transparent about how and where aid is spent to meet these aims.
