Day
Day two
Day two Senate foreign relations
committees
Day two Senate foreign relations committees held a joint hearing
Day two Senate foreign relations committees held a joint hearing.
On
committees held a joint hearing. On the condition of refugees in
Afghanistan
On the condition of refugees in Afghanistan.
Among
Afghanistan. Among the witnesses government foreign
aid
Among the witnesses government foreign aid officials
Among the witnesses government foreign aid officials.
And
The hearings about two hours and twenty five minutes
The hearings about two hours and twenty five minutes.
For
five minutes. For you to bring us
five minutes. For you to bring us.
Just
For you to bring us. Just to get a good break
For you to bring us. Just to get a good break.
The
Just to get a good break. The deal
Just to get a good break. The deal.
You
The deal. You know
The deal. You know.
The
You know. The this
You know. The this.
Hearing
The this. Hearing which will be a joint
The this. Hearing which will be a joint.
Senate
Hearing which will be a joint. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee
near
Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee near eastern South Asian international
Committees will come to order. Let me let me thank you all for for
being
Let me let me thank you all for for being here
Let me let me thank you all for for being here.
We
being here. We will have
being here. We will have.
Brief
Then we will go to Mr NOT ceo's. Who is the administrator of the United
States
Who is the administrator of the United States Agency for International
And then. Christina Rocco who is assistant
secretary
Christina Rocco who is assistant secretary of state for South Asia
Christina Rocco who is assistant secretary of state for South Asia.
And
secretary of state for South Asia. And then
secretary of state for South Asia. And then.
Alan
And then. Alan Cresco acting assistant secretary
bureau
Will be Mr Nicholas de Toronto a executive director of Doctors Without
Borders
executive director of Doctors Without Borders and Ken Bacon
refugees Internet. President of Refugees International
refugees Internet. President of Refugees International.
And
President of Refugees International. And also this Eleanor Smeal
Feminist Majority. Let me at the outset now
Feminist Majority. Let me at the outset now.
I
Let me at the outset now. I think each of us will try to
statements. Brief
statements. Brief.
I
Brief. I want to I want to thank Senator Boxer
for
I want to I want to thank Senator Boxer for a green to co-chair this hearing
with
for a green to co-chair this hearing with me
for a green to co-chair this hearing with me.
And
with me. And I want to thank all of the
To be here to testify today. This subject
To be here to testify today. This subject.
Eleventh
This subject. Eleventh attacks in New York and
Washington
Eleventh attacks in New York and Washington.
Require
Washington. Require our country to
assertively and effectively against international terrorism
assertively and effectively against international terrorism.
As
international terrorism. As the administration takes
international terrorism. As the administration takes.
Of
As the administration takes. Of military action inside Afghanistan
As the administration takes. Of military action inside Afghanistan.
I
Of military action inside Afghanistan. I believe we must also take urgent
crisis there. We all agree and I'll just conclude my
full
We all agree and I'll just conclude my full statement in the record we all
agree
full statement in the record we all agree that there is a humanitarian
disaster
agree that there is a humanitarian disaster on the ground
agree that there is a humanitarian disaster on the ground.
We
disaster on the ground. We all agree that we cannot the United
States
We all agree that we cannot the United States in the law
We all agree that we cannot the United States in the law.
We
States in the law. We cannot turn our backs again
States in the law. We cannot turn our backs again.
On
We cannot turn our backs again. On the
Soviet Union and. We're after that
Soviet Union and. We're after that.
And
We're after that. And we also I think agree that the
terrorists
And we also I think agree that the terrorists are enemy
And we also I think agree that the terrorists are enemy.
Not
terrorists are enemy. Not innocent civilians in in
Afghanistan
Not innocent civilians in in Afghanistan.
Inside
Afghanistan. Inside Afghanistan the United Nations
World
Inside Afghanistan the United Nations World Food Program made
Inside Afghanistan the United Nations World Food Program made.
Much
World Food Program made. Much of it
World Food Program made. Much of it.
Un
Much of it. Un the U.S. donated wheat was the sole
source
Un the U.S. donated wheat was the sole source of food for many years
Un the U.S. donated wheat was the sole source of food for many years.
The
source of food for many years. The U.N. W F P announced yesterday that
it
The U.N. W F P announced yesterday that it was
Afghanistan. Citing the danger
Afghanistan. Citing the danger.
The
Citing the danger. The fighting
Convoys to get food immediately. To the maximum number of
and security for these convoys. To get food immediately to the maximum
number
To get food immediately to the maximum number of
To get needed aid in and slow the outflow of Afghan refugees driven by
lack
outflow of Afghan refugees driven by lack of food at home
outflow of Afghan refugees driven by lack of food at home.
The
lack of food at home. The United States must
lack of food at home. The United States must.
Urge
The United States must. Urge the Pakistani government to
immediately
Urge the Pakistani government to immediately relax
Urge the Pakistani government to immediately relax.
Its
immediately relax. Its border restrictions enough to allow
the
Its border restrictions enough to allow the flow of food and other humanitarian
aid
the flow of food and other humanitarian aid into Afghanistan
the flow of food and other humanitarian aid into Afghanistan.
While
aid into Afghanistan. While maintaining border security
aid into Afghanistan. While maintaining border security.
There
While maintaining border security. There is no easy solution to this
building
There is no easy solution to this building crisis
There is no easy solution to this building crisis.
And
building crisis. And yet
building crisis. And yet.
Our
And yet. Our government must aggressively seek
solutions
Our government must aggressively seek solutions to the critical needs
Our government must aggressively seek solutions to the critical needs.
Of
solutions to the critical needs. Of Afghan civilians
solutions to the critical needs. Of Afghan civilians.
As
Of Afghan civilians. As well
Of Afghan civilians. As well.
One
As well. One of his most urgent tasks
As well. One of his most urgent tasks.
You
One of his most urgent tasks. You might as states must do its
inside Afghanistan. Now
inside Afghanistan. Now.
While
Now. While food deliveries inside
Afghanistan
While food deliveries inside Afghanistan must be the
Are not enough. And will not necessarily reach those in
need
And will not necessarily reach those in need.
We
need. We also must
critical situation. To worsen as Afghanistan heads into its
notoriously
To worsen as Afghanistan heads into its notoriously.
Harsh
notoriously. Harsh winter
notoriously. Harsh winter.
We
Harsh winter. We must
refugees. And humanitarian
Nutritional. Health and shelter needs of women and
children
Health and shelter needs of women and children who will make
Alors the need is a mess. The United Nations has said that five
hundred
The United Nations has said that five hundred eighty four million dollars
will
hundred eighty four million dollars will be needed to
now until the winter snows melt. We have agreed to
efforts to raise funds. More quickly
efforts to raise funds. More quickly.
The
More quickly. The United States
More quickly. The United States.
And
The United States. And our allies must lead this effort
The United States. And our allies must lead this effort.
coalition of moderate Arab and non Arab Muslims around the globe for our anti
terror
Muslims around the globe for our anti terror efforts
Muslims around the globe for our anti terror efforts.
If
terror efforts. If a humanitarian
Afghanistan. Is attributed to our military
coalition to fight terrorism. Radicalize more
vulnerable. In the end
vulnerable. In the end.
Find
In the end. Find any successful
terrorism in Afghanistan. Requires that we
Establish a legitimate government there. And to rebuild their country
Establish a legitimate government there. And to rebuild their country.
I
And to rebuild their country. I join my colleague Senator Biden
And to rebuild their country. I join my colleague Senator Biden.
And
for a one billion dollar long term economic reconstruction
For the region. Such a
The restoration of a woman's right that was destroyed by the Taliban
The restoration of a woman's right that was destroyed by the Taliban.
By
and including the creation of full scale
As we have seen in the case of the schools the absence of
As we have seen in the case of the schools the absence of.
Basic
schools the absence of. Basic social services creates a vacuum
schools the absence of. Basic social services creates a vacuum.
To
Basic social services creates a vacuum. To be filled by radical extremist
Moreover. Me West work
Moreover. Me West work.
To
Me West work. To rebuild the shatter infrastructure
by
To rebuild the shatter infrastructure by lane roads
To rebuild the shatter infrastructure by lane roads.
Drilling
by lane roads. Drilling wells for clean drinking water
and
We as a country have a great challenge before us
We as a country have a great challenge before us.
And
before us. And for the for our sake and for the
sake
And for the for our sake and for the sake of the Afghans we must match
And for the for our sake and for the sake of the Afghans we must match.
Our
sake of the Afghans we must match. Our words
sake of the Afghans we must match. Our words.
With
Our words. With strong
Our words. With strong.
Generous
With strong. Generous.
Actions
Generous. Actions.
I
Actions. I think again
Actions. I think again.
All
I think again. All of you for being Palast all of you
for
All of you for being Palast all of you for being here and
All of you for being Palast all of you for being here and.
I
for being here and. I now turn this over to the box
for being here and. I now turn this over to the box.
Thank
I now turn this over to the box. Thank you so much Mr Chairman
I now turn this over to the box. Thank you so much Mr Chairman.
This
Thank you so much Mr Chairman. This is a
Thank you so much Mr Chairman. This is a.
This
This is a. This is a rare time when we do joined
hands
This is a rare time when we do joined hands.
Subcommittees
hands. Subcommittees because there's a lot of
hands. Subcommittees because there's a lot of.
Oftentimes
wanted to work together on this situation this humanitarian crisis that
is
I want to thank Senator Biden. For our chairman for courage in us to
do
For our chairman for courage in us to do this
For our chairman for courage in us to do this.
And
do this. And I want to thank my colleague Chris
Dodd
And I want to thank my colleague Chris Dodd.
Who
Dodd. Who in one nine hundred ninety seven
Dodd. Who in one nine hundred ninety seven.
Was
Who in one nine hundred ninety seven. Was really the first one to call
attention
Was really the first one to call attention to the horrors
Was really the first one to call attention to the horrors.
Visited
Afghanistan. From the Taliban
Afghanistan. From the Taliban.
And
From the Taliban. And my last thank you for the moment is
to
And my last thank you for the moment is to the fund for a feminist majority who
came
to the fund for a feminist majority who came to me
to the fund for a feminist majority who came to me.
In
came to me. In about one nine hundred ninety eight
and
And signed into law. A resolution which I coauthored with
And signed into law. A resolution which I coauthored with.
Senator
A resolution which I coauthored with. Senator Brownback
A resolution which I coauthored with. Senator Brownback.
Urging
Senator Brownback. Urging of the Clinton administration at
that
Urging of the Clinton administration at that time not to recognize the Taliban
as
that time not to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of
Afghanistan
as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
And
Afghanistan. And I was
resolution again. And the Bush administration and the
Clinton
And the Bush administration and the Clinton administration both
And the Bush administration and the Clinton administration both.
Well
Clinton administration both. Well it's true there is
Clinton administration both. Well it's true there is.
Was
Well it's true there is. Was just thanking you Mr Chairman for
This hearing. The events of
And this weekend's military action. Have focused the world's attention on
what
Have focused the world's attention on what was visited
Is seared into our brains. And it is also focused attention on the
And I think that this administration is doing everything it can to get the
message
doing everything it can to get the message.
For
message. For us that
message. For us that.
This
For us that. This military action is not aimed at
the
And it is such an amazing thing to to remember
And it is such an amazing thing to to remember.
The
remember. The bombs
But that's we are on a two track. Pass here to defeat the Taliban who are
harboring
Pass here to defeat the Taliban who are harboring terrorists
Pass here to defeat the Taliban who are harboring terrorists.
And
harboring terrorists. And yet
harboring terrorists. And yet.
To
And yet. To feed the
whole. Once again
whole. Once again.
The
Once again. The other thing that the fund for a
Feminist
The other thing that the fund for a Feminist Majority did is to come to me
The other thing that the fund for a Feminist Majority did is to come to me.
Way
Feminist Majority did is to come to me. Way before any of this
Feminist Majority did is to come to me. Way before any of this.
This
Way before any of this. This year and say we've got to do more
for
This year and say we've got to do more for the
humanitarian crisis there and that was before Mr Chairman
humanitarian crisis there and that was before Mr Chairman.
Before
big that it was unbelievable I'm so glad this chairman that you've
down. I
down. I think there's
Great agreement on the driving force behind this crisis
Great agreement on the driving force behind this crisis.
First
behind this crisis. First the
behind this crisis. First the.
Nearly
First the. Nearly continuous war that for more
than
Nearly continuous war that for more than twenty years has decimated
Afghanistan
than twenty years has decimated Afghanistan and killed an estimated one
A devastating drought. Has affected much of Afghanistan's
famine in decades. There
famine in decades. There.
The
There. The illegitimate Taliban regime that
forces
The illegitimate Taliban regime that forces.
Its
forces. Its extreme
Through its ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice
Through its ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
The
of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The Taliban carries out
such as stonings. Hanging's floggings
such as stonings. Hanging's floggings.
And
The Taliban. Is very harsh on women who may not go
to
Is very harsh on women who may not go to work
Is very harsh on women who may not go to work.
Go
to work. Go to school
to work. Go to school.
I
Go to school. I must blackout the windows of their
homes
I must blackout the windows of their homes in my office I have a burka
I must blackout the windows of their homes in my office I have a burka.
That
homes in my office I have a burka. That women must wear that was also
given
That women must wear that was also given me by my friends from California
That women must wear that was also given me by my friends from California.
And
given me by my friends from California. And I have it hanging there
given me by my friends from California. And I have it hanging there.
As
And I have it hanging there. As a reminder of what
And I have it hanging there. As a reminder of what.
Women
As a reminder of what. Women go through
As a reminder of what. Women go through.
They
Women go through. They are made invisible
Women go through. They are made invisible.
They
They are made invisible. They are made invisible
They are made invisible. They are made invisible.
They
They are made invisible. They are not human and
They are made invisible. They are not human and.
In
They are not human and. In many ways
They are not human and. In many ways.
Really
In many ways. Really don't exist
In many ways. Really don't exist.
And
Really don't exist. And that burka
Really don't exist. And that burka.
Says
And that burka. Says it all if you
You can barely breathe. It's an incredible situation
You can barely breathe. It's an incredible situation.
The
It's an incredible situation. The women
It's an incredible situation. The women.
Can't
The women. Can't go to work they can't go to
school
Can't go to work they can't go to school they can't see a male doctor
Can't go to work they can't go to school they can't see a male doctor.
And
school they can't see a male doctor. And since the schools are closed Who
are
And since the schools are closed Who are they going to go to for their
health
are they going to go to for their health care
are they going to go to for their health care.
They
health care. They die
health care. They die.
A
They die. A tremendous numbers giving birth and
the
A tremendous numbers giving birth and the.
What
the. What if and mortality rate is
The final cause is the fact that the United States
The final cause is the fact that the United States.
Turned
United States. Turned its back on Afghanistan
following
Turned its back on Afghanistan following the Cold War Again this is
something
following the Cold War Again this is something I think everyone
following the Cold War Again this is something I think everyone.
Both
Has agreed on. It was a mistake
Has agreed on. It was a mistake.
We
It was a mistake. We must now take action to correct
It was a mistake. We must now take action to correct.
It
We must now take action to correct. It is also a reason why a strong U.S.
humanitarian
What I said about the Bush administration's dual track
What I said about the Bush administration's dual track.
That
administration's dual track. That we are fighting terrorism
administration's dual track. That we are fighting terrorism.
Not
That we are fighting terrorism. Not the Afghan
And also certainly not. Islam
And also certainly not. Islam.
In
Islam. In closing
Islam. In closing.
I
In closing. I want to tell you that in Time
magazine
I want to tell you that in Time magazine last
all this. There was a story about an eight year
old
There was a story about an eight year old boy who died from
Prior to the boy's death his father had waited line in at the
From dawn to dusk. With hundreds of others stricken with
tuberculosis
With hundreds of others stricken with tuberculosis measles bronchitis and
other
tuberculosis measles bronchitis and other diseases
tuberculosis measles bronchitis and other diseases.
This
other diseases. This child had
And when the boy's father finally reached the front of the line
And when the boy's father finally reached the front of the line.
He
reached the front of the line. He received twelve
reached the front of the line. He received twelve.
That's all. And the child died
That's all. And the child died.
We
And the child died. We must do better
And the child died. We must do better.
We
We must do better. We can do better and we will do better
We must do better. We can do better and we will do better.
And
We can do better and we will do better. And I'm looking forward to our two
Mr Chairman you've joined us today means a lot to both Thank you Senator
Boxer
means a lot to both Thank you Senator Boxer will
means a lot to both Thank you Senator Boxer will.
Each
Boxer will. Each try and I'll go for Joe with Chris
in
Each try and I'll go for Joe with Chris in the center diamond
Each try and I'll go for Joe with Chris in the center diamond.
Center
in the center diamond. Center Biden will be trying
five because we've got to balance. Senator Dodd
five because we've got to balance. Senator Dodd.
Well
Senator Dodd. Well this year and I just want to thank
you
Well this year and I just want to thank you for doing this without a box of
Well this year and I just want to thank you for doing this without a box of.
Very
you for doing this without a box of. Very tight it will go wonderful
you for doing this without a box of. Very tight it will go wonderful.
With
Very tight it will go wonderful. With this is to hear from I
Senator Boxer. Nine hundred ninety seven
Senator Boxer. Nine hundred ninety seven.
Resolution
Nine hundred ninety seven. Resolution coverage that here which
Nine hundred ninety seven. Resolution coverage that here which.
Senate
Resolution coverage that here which. Senate Foreign Relations Committee
The Senate the House did not done that resolution not the resolutions
The Senate the House did not done that resolution not the resolutions.
This
resolution not the resolutions. This early going to change that
resolution not the resolutions. This early going to change that.
But
This early going to change that. But this is not a recent
And no we've identified in the language in a row then just about not only the
human
in a row then just about not only the human rights condition but also the
harboring
human rights condition but also the harboring of terrorists in the
It's been said over and over again here now by Senator
It's been said over and over again here now by Senator.
Welched
now by Senator. Welched on and Senator Boxer
now by Senator. Welched on and Senator Boxer.
It
Welched on and Senator Boxer. It needs to be
course. Our quarrel to
Taliban. And with the terrorist organizations
that
And with the terrorist organizations that they
you didn't have before you outlined some of the drought areas
you didn't have before you outlined some of the drought areas.
The
some of the drought areas. The worst drought
some of the drought areas. The worst drought.
And
The worst drought. And no memory
The worst drought. And no memory.
Many
Very lives. Hang in the balance and
Very lives. Hang in the balance and.
It's
Hang in the balance and. It's been recommended by Senator Biden
among
It's been recommended by Senator Biden among others to have a significant
humanitarian
among others to have a significant humanitarian commitment to the
of Afghanistan. The
of viruses already. Or something like it may have broken
out
Or something like it may have broken out of the
closing down borders. Get even more
the hostilities in their own country seeking some
the hostilities in their own country seeking some.
Some
seeking some. Some security
seeking some. Some security.
Some
Some security. Some sustenance
Some security. Some sustenance.
And
Some sustenance. And these
on Pakistan as well as on the. And the
are going to be tremendous They already are
are going to be tremendous They already are.
So
are. So while we're
against the Taliban and and. The terrorist organizations
against the Taliban and and. The terrorist organizations.
It
The terrorist organizations. It is going to be critically and for
the
It is going to be critically and for the success of the military
my view will bear directly on our ability to succeed in the humanitarian
And if we wait. To
other we will think this is got to be as much of an effort is
other we will think this is got to be as much of an effort is.
As
as much of an effort is. As a military
as much of an effort is. As a military.
And
As a military. And yes
As a military. And yes.
We
And yes. We run the risk of millions of
losing their lives. Not because of what we're doing
obviously
Not because of what we're doing obviously but because of what the
Taliban
obviously but because of what the Taliban is doing
obviously but because of what the Taliban is doing.
But
Taliban is doing. But you can fill the ranks of those who
could
But you can fill the ranks of those who could to become the foot soldiers of
these
could to become the foot soldiers of these organizations if we don't
understand
these organizations if we don't understand the dimension of the human
for the hearing look forward to hearing from the with
my We'll start with Mr NOT SALES But first we're going to hear from No No
But
first we're going to hear from No No But first we're going to hear from
Chairman
But first we're going to hear from Chairman.
I
Chairman. I I just want to thank my colleagues
for
I I just want to thank my colleagues for being what we do this
My absence. I'm chairing a hearing on the new drug
director's
I'm chairing a hearing on the new drug director's drug czar
I'm chairing a hearing on the new drug director's drug czar.
Committee. And
Committee. And.
And
And. And both Senators well stone and Boxer
done
And both Senators well stone and Boxer done a great deal of work in this area
for
done a great deal of work in this area for a long time
done a great deal of work in this area for a long time.
And
for a long time. And so it's not only
bit unusual for two subcommittees to hold a joint hearing
bit unusual for two subcommittees to hold a joint hearing.
But
hold a joint hearing. But the two of them have been so
involved and concerned about this area the world Afghanistan in
toilet bowl. Sites like that it was
this be done. Let me begin by saying
this be done. Let me begin by saying.
You're
Let me begin by saying. You're going to be
choir here. I've had a chance to meet with the
administration
I've had a chance to meet with the administration extensively on this and
I
administration extensively on this and I am
administration extensively on this and I am.
I
I am. I must tell you and I'll say
which the secretary of state. Has led in this area and
which the secretary of state. Has led in this area and.
I
Has led in this area and. I not only have not gotten
Has led in this area and. I not only have not gotten.
Resistance
I not only have not gotten. Resistance to the
quite frankly it's a. It was a little bit of unofficial
collaboration
It was a little bit of unofficial collaboration.
That
collaboration. That went on here
collaboration. That went on here.
In
That went on here. In terms of the
anyone to think. my Making that
talking about immediate billion dollars and to commit long term commitment is
necessary
and to commit long term commitment is necessary Ridgen with me and I don't
want
necessary Ridgen with me and I don't want to lay it on the administration
either
want to lay it on the administration either and I want to get them in
trouble
either and I want to get them in trouble but
either and I want to get them in trouble but.
There
trouble but. There are a number of significant
this is not only the short term commitment but a long term commitment
this is not only the short term commitment but a long term commitment.
I
commitment but a long term commitment. I the
very subject. I am absolutely convinced the
understands the need for this to be a long haul
understands the need for this to be a long haul.
And
long haul. And there
long haul. And there.
I
And there. I think this may be the first time in
the
I think this may be the first time in the history of warfare where literally
as
the history of warfare where literally as we're
food. Not
food. Not.
Not
Not. Not and not follow
Not. Not and not follow.
As
Not and not follow. As we're
Three hundred fifty thousand meals are being
We've also committed I think it is too little but I think it is great that
it's
little but I think it is great that it's begun
little but I think it is great that it's begun.
Over
it's begun. Over three hundred million dollars
toward
Over three hundred million dollars toward what Kofi Anon is suggested is
needed
toward what Kofi Anon is suggested is needed for the next six months
toward what Kofi Anon is suggested is needed for the next six months.
Of
needed for the next six months. Of roughly five four hundred fifty
million
Of roughly five four hundred fifty million dollars
Of roughly five four hundred fifty million dollars.
Through
million dollars. Through the
administration. The rest of our friends around the
world
The rest of our friends around the world have
I met today with Lord Robertson of NATO and one of the issues we talked about
and
and one of the issues we talked about and everyone understands this is the
guy
and everyone understands this is the guy heading the NATO
You know the the arrows in the towel on not not
You know the the arrows in the towel on not not.
The
And. The
And. The only discussion was about what we
do
The only discussion was about what we do.
After
do. After we quote
do. After we quote.
When
After we quote. When that
After we quote. When that.
Days
When that. Days after the the hostilities cease
When that. Days after the the hostilities cease.
And
Days after the the hostilities cease. And so there is an overwhelming
Days after the the hostilities cease. And so there is an overwhelming.
I
And so there is an overwhelming. I think understanding on the
and. Most
and. Most of the members of ministration I
know
Most of the members of ministration I know.
The
know. The need for this to be a long term
And it's not only. When the tali vote when
And it's not only. When the tali vote when.
When
When the tali vote when. When the last Russian
Afghan border heading north. Not only they leave Afghanistan but
Afghanistan
Not only they leave Afghanistan but Afghanistan left the consciousness of
Not only they leave Afghanistan but Afghanistan left the consciousness of.
All
Afghanistan left the consciousness of. All but a few
Afghanistan left the consciousness of. All but a few.
Here
All but a few. Here in the United States Congress
All but a few. Here in the United States Congress.
I
Here in the United States Congress. I was here
Here in the United States Congress. I was here.
So
I was here. So I'm I'm
about laying this anyone else I was here
about laying this anyone else I was here.
There
here. There was not nearly enough attention
But because of my three colleagues here with the Senator Dodd
But because of my three colleagues here with the Senator Dodd.
They
with the Senator Dodd. They.
They
They. They tried to
But the truth of the matter is not enough was listened as as
But the truth of the matter is not enough was listened as as.
As
enough was listened as as. As well as we should of in the world
surely
As well as we should of in the world surely didn't we kind of
would go away and. So that I I just want to say that
would go away and. So that I I just want to say that.
I
So that I I just want to say that. I know you can be
little bit I know you were NOT be able to use words like like nation building
begin
to use words like like nation building begin to scares the hell out of you
years on it and you're about to do it thank God and
years on it and you're about to do it thank God and.
And
thank God and. And.
But
And. But but but what I want to make clear
here
But but but what I want to make clear here is
But but but what I want to make clear here is.
We're
here is. We're talking about draining the
where these terrorists are able to to to breed
where these terrorists are able to to to breed.
If
to breed. If you will
to breed. If you will.
Well
If you will. Well.
Once
Well. Once we drain the
something that's one. There better be something that is
that fills a swath. Again what was a
And so I think that the long. Term solution includes such
items as secular education. For both boys and girls in Afghanistan
all
For both boys and girls in Afghanistan all serve two
because of the void this bill left I mean as you all know
because of the void this bill left I mean as you all know.
I
mean as you all know. I know this again
mean as you all know. I know this again.
Preaching
I know this again. Preaching to the choir the
administration
Preaching to the choir the administration with this is no
Preaching to the choir the administration with this is no.
Half
administration with this is no. Half the reason why I have these young
men
Half the reason why I have these young men are an atheist Academy the only
they get three square meals a day and be clothed
they get three square meals a day and be clothed.
And
be clothed. And in the choice was an easy one for
them
And in the choice was an easy one for them to make
And in the choice was an easy one for them to make.
But
them to make. But it has had a devastating
region. And so I think that
region. And so I think that.
You
And so I think that. You know
And so I think that. You know.
No
You know. No wonder
You know. No wonder.
This
No wonder. This is a nation that's in ruins when
you
And so one of things we can do is literally with the rest of the world
see
literally with the rest of the world see to their secular education we can
be
see to their secular education we can be involved
see to their secular education we can be involved.
Extensively
be involved. Extensively in D. mining
for the narcotics because they're the world's foremost
Villages. Really cha
This cost is going to be very very high. We should not kill each other
This cost is going to be very very high. We should not kill each other.
We're
We should not kill each other. We're talking about billions of dollars
we're
We're talking about billions of dollars we're not talking about a hundred
million
we're not talking about a hundred million dollars or two hundred or five
hundred
million dollars or two hundred or five hundred.
We're
hundred. We're talking about five hundred eighty
five
We're talking about five hundred eighty five million dollars just to
Over the next. Over this winter
Over the next. Over this winter.
And
Over this winter. And so this is a gigantic cost
Over this winter. And so this is a gigantic cost.
And
And so this is a gigantic cost. And I my
to these three because they are ahead of me on this
to these three because they are ahead of me on this.
Is
of me on this. Is that the same the same fervor with
which
Is that the same the same fervor with which we
To take on this. This cancer
To take on this. This cancer.
That
This cancer. That we were awakened to in a horrible
manner
That we were awakened to in a horrible manner on
That we were awakened to in a horrible manner on.
One
manner on. One month ago today
manner on. One month ago today.
Is
One month ago today. Is the same color should we have to
One month ago today. Is the same color should we have to.
To see to it that. We don't allow the same
To see to it that. We don't allow the same.
I mean out of our naked self-interest if anything is going to demonstrate to
us
if anything is going to demonstrate to us that we cannot stand alone
if anything is going to demonstrate to us that we cannot stand alone.
That
us that we cannot stand alone. That we cannot unilaterally
us that we cannot stand alone. That we cannot unilaterally.
Dictate
That we cannot unilaterally. Dictate the outcome of our future
That we cannot unilaterally. Dictate the outcome of our future.
Is
Dictate the outcome of our future. Is what's
We are bearing the brunt of. Not right now in terms of us being
under
Not right now in terms of us being under siege
Not right now in terms of us being under siege.
And
under siege. And so just as the fight to terrorism
is
And so just as the fight to terrorism is truly a battle for all nations I
think
is truly a battle for all nations I think the fight against destitution is
Is the fight of all nations so I I ask unanimous consent to remain in my state
and
unanimous consent to remain in my state and be
To chairman end and again. Thank you both of you for doing this
To chairman end and again. Thank you both of you for doing this.
And
Thank you both of you for doing this. And thank the administration
Thank you both of you for doing this. And thank the administration.
I'm
And thank the administration. I'm going to tell you what I said
And thank the administration. I'm going to tell you what I said.
I've
I'm going to tell you what I said. I've said this to straight out
I'm going to tell you what I said. I've said this to straight out.
I
I've said this to straight out. I kid with the secretary Christine
knows
I kid with the secretary Christine knows this he says be God's sake don't
But all kidding aside. I think the administration has
tell you. I did not
That I think is thus far been absolutely first rate
That I think is thus far been absolutely first rate.
And
absolutely first rate. And I have never once had a
conversation
And I have never once had a conversation a state never had many as
you
conversation a state never had many as you know
conversation a state never had many as you know.
I've
you know. I've never once had a conversation this
day
I've never once had a conversation this day were anybody
I've never once had a conversation this day were anybody.
End
day were anybody. End of the sentence by saying
day were anybody. End of the sentence by saying.
And
End of the sentence by saying. And when we get al Qaeda
End of the sentence by saying. And when we get al Qaeda.
We
And when we get al Qaeda. We leave
And when we get al Qaeda. We leave.
Nobody
We leave. Nobody is thinking that way that
We leave. Nobody is thinking that way that.
All
Nobody is thinking that way that. All of there are a number of
the administration who do think that way
the administration who do think that way.
Who
way. Who you have not
way. Who you have not.
Thus
Who you have not. Thus far have not been able to convince
the
And so as. Jimmy someone said to me
And so as. Jimmy someone said to me.
Back
Jimmy someone said to me. Back in one nine hundred seventy eight
when
Back in one nine hundred seventy eight when I was running a tough reelection
I walked into the Senate dining room one afternoon as we were about to
adjourn
one afternoon as we were about to adjourn so many die in the old
conservative
adjourn so many die in the old conservative chairman of the Judiciary
Committee
conservative chairman of the Judiciary Committee in which I served
conservative chairman of the Judiciary Committee in which I served.
Looked
Committee in which I served. Looked at me I must have been flunking
what
Looked at me I must have been flunking what I call the
test. And
test. And that is I was running I guess I was
looking
And that is I was running I guess I was looking like this and
And that is I was running I guess I was looking like this and.
You
looking like this and. You know when anybody says how you do
in
You know when anybody says how you do in your race and they go on doing great
You know when anybody says how you do in your race and they go on doing great.
You
in your race and they go on doing great. You know they're losing
in your race and they go on doing great. You know they're losing.
If
You know they're losing. If they stand
OK you know if they're winning. I musta been flocking that test
OK you know if they're winning. I musta been flocking that test.
He
I musta been flocking that test. He called me already said you need
in Delaware and I said Mr Chairman I do need a lot of
He said What would Jim Eastland do for you know rice and some
He took that cigars was actually true story look to these
Artemis they looked at me said well Joe. I'll come and
you. Which will
what I want to ministration I'll say bad things about you are good things
about
bad things about you are good things about you
bad things about you are good things about you.
Which
about you. Which you ever
Scuse me I've just been corrected. Not three hundred fifty thousand thirty
five
Not three hundred fifty thousand thirty five thousand meals have been
so far. But that is just the very beginning so
anyway
But that is just the very beginning so anyway I thank you for what you've been
doing
anyway I thank you for what you've been doing.
to do. And together we've got to convince the
American
is not going to be done in the short time
is not going to be done in the short time.
Part
time. Part of this
My colleagues are working on I thank you thank you Mr Chairman thank you so
nastyass
you thank you Mr Chairman thank you so nastyass.
Again
nastyass. Again Ministre United States Agency for
International
Thank you Senators thank you for inviting me and my colleagues here
Thank you Senators thank you for inviting me and my colleagues here.
For
inviting me and my colleagues here. For this stream of
inviting me and my colleagues here. For this stream of.
Extremely
On the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
On the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan. Afghanistan truly is a country in
crisis
Afghanistan truly is a country in crisis a crisis that well
For many years. By many years
For many years. By many years.
Three
By many years. Three years of drought and twenty two
years
Three years of drought and twenty two years of conflict
Three years of drought and twenty two years of conflict.
And
years of conflict. And five years of
years of conflict. And five years of.
Taliban
And five years of. Taliban misrule have brought
And five years of. Taliban misrule have brought.
Untold
Taliban misrule have brought. Untold suffering to millions of
The long drought has caused. The near total failure of rain
The long drought has caused. The near total failure of rain.
Fed
in the country. Only ten to twelve
country is now arable and much of that lane cannot be used to to mines
country is now arable and much of that lane cannot be used to to mines.
And
lane cannot be used to to mines. And finding that is raised about the
country
And finding that is raised about the country since the Soviet invasion in
one
country since the Soviet invasion in one nine hundred seventy nine thirty
Irrigation infrastructure has been damaged or fallen into
Rendering about half of the irrigated land
Rendering about half of the irrigated land.
In one hundred seventy nine Afghanistan was able to feed itself
In one hundred seventy nine Afghanistan was able to feed itself.
Last
was able to feed itself. Last year
was able to feed itself. Last year.
The
Last year. The food deficit
Last year. The food deficit.
Was
The food deficit. Was one
The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the country will only
ten thousand. Of the four hundred thousand metric
tons
Of the four hundred thousand metric tons of C That will be needed for this
fall's
tons of C That will be needed for this fall's winter wheat
And we know the reason why. Most of the seed has already been eaten
by
Most of the seed has already been eaten by farmers who are fear of
Most of the seed has already been eaten by farmers who are fear of.
Who
by farmers who are fear of. Who fear they may not survive until the
next
their seed if they do not think they're going to survive the next
Almost half of the country's inhabitants have been affected by the
drought
inhabitants have been affected by the drought.
Between
drought. Between the fighting in the drought
been driven from the country in a living as refugees another million are
internally
And many thousands more are unable to move due to sickness
And many thousands more are unable to move due to sickness.
Injury
move due to sickness. Injury.
Disability
Injury. Disability or hunger
Injury. Disability or hunger.
W.
Disability or hunger. W. A few the world food
distributes. On a wholesale basis to food into the
country
On a wholesale basis to food into the country and then the N.G.O.s distribute
On a wholesale basis to food into the country and then the N.G.O.s distribute.
To
estimates that food stocks in the country
estimates that food stocks in the country.
Are
country. Are critically short and they are
aggressively
Are critically short and they are aggressively seeking to move food into
the
aggressively seeking to move food into the country
aggressively seeking to move food into the country.
As
the country. As of this morning
the country. As of this morning.
I
As of this morning. I talked with Catherine Bertini
As of this morning. I talked with Catherine Bertini.
My
I talked with Catherine Bertini. My good friend who's the director the
executive
My good friend who's the director the executive director of the World Food
Program
executive director of the World Food Program.
And
Program. And she told me that you have P. had
just
And she told me that you have P. had just sent convoys out from four
countries
just sent convoys out from four countries.
With
countries. With thirty three hundred metric tons
of
With thirty three hundred metric tons of food from Iran Turkmenistan
Tajikistan
of food from Iran Turkmenistan Tajikistan and Pakistan into the
country
Tajikistan and Pakistan into the country so the food deliveries that
were
Before the snows arrive in the high mountain areas of the Hindu Kush
Before the snows arrive in the high mountain areas of the Hindu Kush.
Among
mountain areas of the Hindu Kush. Among the highest
of central Afghanistan is very similar to the
of central Afghanistan is very similar to the.
best
to the. best There's a high
similar to those in Tibet and. The highest
Is twenty five thousand feet high. Mount Everest is only twenty is twenty
nine
Mount Everest is only twenty is twenty nine thousand feet you these not small
mountains
nine thousand feet you these not small mountains these are huge mountain
ranges
mountains these are huge mountain ranges.
And
ranges. And there are millions of
live in those mountains hollow you have she was unable last week
live in those mountains hollow you have she was unable last week.
to
she was unable last week. to Are as of Monday to hire commercial
truckers
to Are as of Monday to hire commercial truckers take food in his
morning as I just mentioned the international committee there across
two
international committee there across two I understand are here today
international committee there across two I understand are here today.
Has
two I understand are here today. Has been able to maintain their
we met with the major N.G.O.s last night American N.G.O.s that are doing
the
night American N.G.O.s that are doing the retail food distributions to
individuals
the retail food distributions to individuals and a number of them told
me
individuals and a number of them told me there has been no
The conflict is really confined to certain areas in the country there are
large
distributed distributions have continued in aid
continued. There are however one
million Afghans who are seriously at risk of starvation this winter
million Afghans who are seriously at risk of starvation this winter.
And
risk of starvation this winter. And there another five to seven million
Afghans
And there another five to seven million Afghans facing food
And there another five to seven million Afghans facing food.
And
Afghans facing food. And critical food shortages
Afghans facing food. And critical food shortages.
And
And critical food shortages. And are
outside assistance for their survival. One of the first actions I took
outside assistance for their survival. One of the first actions I took.
When
One of the first actions I took. When I was confirmed as administrator
One of the first actions I took. When I was confirmed as administrator.
Of
When I was confirmed as administrator. Of USA ID at the beginning of May of
this
Of USA ID at the beginning of May of this year was to order an assessment
conducted
this year was to order an assessment conducted by the Office of Foreign
Disaster
conducted by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance work
conducted by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance work.
Being
Disaster Assistance work. Being with the State
They did an assessment with U.N. agencies
They did an assessment with U.N. agencies.
Inside
agencies. Inside the country and they came to the
conclusion
Inside the country and they came to the conclusion that Afghan Afghanistan was
on
conclusion that Afghan Afghanistan was on the verge of
Based on this and other information and with the
It has been there ever since. And it is
It has been there ever since. And it is.
Continue
And it is. Continue to work with N.G.O.s
And it is. Continue to work with N.G.O.s.
We
Continue to work with N.G.O.s. We also double the are increased by one
hundred
We also double the are increased by one hundred thousand tons the food
commitments
hundred thousand tons the food commitments this was in early June
hundred thousand tons the food commitments this was in early June.
This
commitments this was in early June. This is
This event. The events in the United States was one
hundred
The events in the United States was one hundred eighty four million dollars
three
hundred eighty four million dollars three hundred thousand tons of food
hundred eighty four million dollars three hundred thousand tons of food.
Was
three hundred thousand tons of food. Was one of our largest humanitarian
relief
on need. The need of the Afghan
Because of the Civil War and the DRO there is this terrible need inside
Afghanistan
there is this terrible need inside Afghanistan are not going to go through
the
Afghanistan are not going to go through the entire testimony I
want to focus on five. Key strategies that we are
The first. And the
that we do how can we drive the death rates in this famine down
that we do how can we drive the death rates in this famine down.
The
rates in this famine down. The famine has not Pete
rates in this famine down. The famine has not Pete.
Parent
The famine has not Pete. Parent Families move in chronological
cycle
Parent Families move in chronological cycle.
And
cycle. And there
cycle. And there.
And
And there. And if you look at famines you'll see
rising
And if you look at famines you'll see rising death rates they
Then they begin to diminish and they get down to a normal level after a year
or
get down to a normal level after a year or two
get down to a normal level after a year or two.
We
or two. We have not yet
beginning of the rise in these Death Race in the
beginning of the rise in these Death Race in the.
Assessment
Race in the. Assessment that was done in May we
noticed
Assessment that was done in May we noticed in some villages
Assessment that was done in May we noticed in some villages.
Six
noticed in some villages. Six.
Time
Six. Time times
Six. Time times.
Eight
health doctrine usually in our. Our
Severe food emergency. In most of our cities and towns in the
United
In most of our cities and towns in the United States
In most of our cities and towns in the United States.
Half
United States. Half the
every other day. And if you took one of your of your of
every other day. And if you took one of your of your of.
A
And if you took one of your of your of. A town of ten thousand
And you did the statistics for a year. You'd notice one
And you did the statistics for a year. You'd notice one.
Death
You'd notice one. Death every other day
You'd notice one. Death every other day.
So
Death every other day. So if you have to every day
Death every other day. So if you have to every day.
You
So if you have to every day. You know that the rate has gone
dramatically. If you have six to eight you have a
family
If you have six to eight you have a family and
If you have six to eight you have a family and.
In
family and. In fact in some villages those rates
family and. In fact in some villages those rates.
Were
In fact in some villages those rates. Were had reached that level
In fact in some villages those rates. Were had reached that level.
Last
And if you add the numbers out that means thirty
will be dead by the IT within a three hundred sixty five day
So you can see how severe it was in certain areas had not
whole country. We were seeing it begin to
The second thing we're doing is to minimize
security and that's that and they cross international boundaries because of
that
international boundaries because of that two refugee
But they also move. Because they're hungry
But they also move. Because they're hungry.
And
Because they're hungry. And that is generally a
leave their village when they have absolutely no
no food in the way. That's when they start dying and they
have
That's when they start dying and they have.
They
have. They have no other way of surviving
have. They have no other way of surviving.
We
They have no other way of surviving. We do not want
Is the severe winters in much of Afghanistan
Is the severe winters in much of Afghanistan.
If
Afghanistan. If this were a
would not have as. As high death rates this winter but
these
As high death rates this winter but these are our
As high death rates this winter but these are our.
Arctic
these are our. Arctic regions some
these are our. Arctic regions some.
In
Arctic regions some. In some areas of the Hindu Kush the
snow
In some areas of the Hindu Kush the snow is twenty to thirty feet
entire winter. So we do not want
die during the movements or when they arrive in the
debilitated they cannot be revived so we do not want
that we can avoid them by moving food into
neighborhoods. Disease famine
neighborhoods. Disease famine.
Reason
Disease famine. Reason for moving will beat least dealt
with
Reason for moving will beat least dealt with.
If
with. If they're moving for security reasons
that's
If they're moving for security reasons that's another matter
If they're moving for security reasons that's another matter.
The
that's another matter. The third thing we're doing is
something
The third thing we're doing is something is not commonly known
our in famines and that is to deal on the commercial side
our in famines and that is to deal on the commercial side.
Not
the commercial side. Not through the aid agencies although
the
Not through the aid agencies although the aid agencies
sell food. In
A lot of Afghans survive on remittances the Afghan
They said Riminton is back remittances back to their relatives and
They said Riminton is back remittances back to their relatives and.
Extended
back to their relatives and. Extended families of one hundred fifty
We see this in famine after famine. If food
Afghanistan. It means they can buy half as much food
for
It means they can buy half as much food for their extended families
It means they can buy half as much food for their extended families.
So
for their extended families. So what we want to do is get the food
Normal Level. And
the. family So we will use what we call
counter
family So we will use what we call counter famine
family So we will use what we call counter famine.
Market
counter famine. Market strategies to
At a normal a level. The Four strategy is to make sure food
gets
The Four strategy is to make sure food gets to words intended to go we do not
want
gets to words intended to go we do not want to divert to we do not want to
if you're interested I can go over that we are
But for many years the NGOs and I was with one for five years and I was in
the
with one for five years and I was in the Bush administration for the first
with one for five years and I was in the Bush administration for the first.
The
the Bush administration for the first. The first Bush administration where we
did
The first Bush administration where we did this
The first Bush administration where we did this.
Very
did this. Very effectively
did this. Very effectively.
We
Very effectively. We use
Very effectively. We use.
Relief
We use. Relief.
Resources
Relief. Resources to do
In the middle of civil wars and famines and emergencies and we do that for
Somalia in one thousand nine hundred one we
Almost the entire a geisha system. Of the lower valley
Almost the entire a geisha system. Of the lower valley.
Using
Of the lower valley. Using food for work
Of the lower valley. Using food for work.
In
Using food for work. In a famine to
was also the same farmers who will get the water from the irrigation system
was also the same farmers who will get the water from the irrigation system.
That
the water from the irrigation system. That were being
And there is a dramatic increase in food
Police intervention. The N.G.O.s
Police intervention. The N.G.O.s.
We
The N.G.O.s. We met with have agreed in the U.N.
agencies
We met with have agreed in the U.N. agencies the best strategy to
to use the food we're going to send in. For
To do food for work. To increase family incomes to increase
in
To increase family incomes to increase in the resources in the village so that
we
in the resources in the village so that we can begin the reconstruction of the
country
we can begin the reconstruction of the country now
we can begin the reconstruction of the country now.
And
country now. And not wait till the end of this
country now. And not wait till the end of this.
The
And not wait till the end of this. The civil war is over or the end of the
military
May have to exit stage anyway that's our strategy and
May have to exit stage anyway that's our strategy and.
We're
In the future thanks and. Thank you for testimony I only do that
because
Thank you for testimony I only do that because we do want to have questions we
have
because we do want to have questions we have a number of different
and I also worry about those later on and so we want to make sure we
that here and go along thank you so much
that here and go along thank you so much.
This
much. This row
much. This row.
Mr
This row. Mr Chairman
This row. Mr Chairman.
Distinguished
Mr Chairman. Distinguished members of the
subcommittee
Distinguished members of the subcommittee I'm honored to
before you as Mr not just Mr Cresco. To discuss the humanitarian crisis in
Afghanistan
To discuss the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and Afghanistan
To discuss the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and Afghanistan.
And
Afghanistan and Afghanistan. And are now
Afghanistan and Afghanistan. And are now.
Alan
And are now. Alan will
of the evolving crisis. I'll be brief and restrict my remarks
to
I'll describe for you the context in which this crisis has fermented and
grown
which this crisis has fermented and grown.
It's
humanitarian crisis in the region did not begin on
Its causes lie in the tragic history of Afghanistan over the last two decades
Its causes lie in the tragic history of Afghanistan over the last two decades.
Twenty
Afghanistan over the last two decades. Twenty two years of conflict has
steadily
Twenty two years of conflict has steadily devastated the country just
George's
infrastructure. Shattered its institutions and wrecked
its
Shattered its institutions and wrecked its social economic leverage
Shattered its institutions and wrecked its social economic leverage.
The
its social economic leverage. The crisis has been exacerbated by
severe
The crisis has been exacerbated by severe and from long drought
The crisis has been exacerbated by severe and from long drought.
Now
severe and from long drought. Now in its fourth year
severe and from long drought. Now in its fourth year.
Average
Now in its fourth year. Average life
Afghanistan has been reduced to forty six years
Afghanistan has been reduced to forty six years.
According
six years. According to the World Health
Organization
According to the World Health Organization the infant mortality rate
at
Organization the infant mortality rate at first
Organization the infant mortality rate at first.
Is
at first. Is one hundred fifty two births and
births
Is one hundred fifty two births and births.
Mortality
births. Mortality rate for children under five
births. Mortality rate for children under five.
Is
Mortality rate for children under five. Is two hundred fifty seven
Mortality rate for children under five. Is two hundred fifty seven.
Out
Is two hundred fifty seven. Out of a thousand
Is two hundred fifty seven. Out of a thousand.
The
Out of a thousand. The Taliban have to nothing to
alleviate
The Taliban have to nothing to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan
Rather they've done much to intensify the anguish of Afghans
Rather they've done much to intensify the anguish of Afghans.
Pursuing
And that target women and girls and ethnic minorities a Senator Boxer
the most rudimentary health education or other social services
any government. Instead they've chosen to devote their
resources
Instead they've chosen to devote their resources.
To
resources. To waging war on the Afghan
neighbors. Instead they welcome terrorist
them with safe haven. And allowed Afghanistan to become the
hub
And allowed Afghanistan to become the hub of international terrorism
And allowed Afghanistan to become the hub of international terrorism.
In
hub of international terrorism. In contrast the United States has been
the
In contrast the United States has been the largest
assistance to the Afghans. As the
in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan
in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.
This
Afghanistan. This brings our food and non-food
assistance
This brings our food and non-food assistance to about six hundred eighty
million
assistance to about six hundred eighty million.
Since
million. Since one thousand nine hundred nine
million. Since one thousand nine hundred nine.
As
Since one thousand nine hundred nine. As the United States began military
action
As the United States began military action this weekend against terrorist
and
action this weekend against terrorist and Taliban defenses in Afghanistan
action this weekend against terrorist and Taliban defenses in Afghanistan.
The
and Taliban defenses in Afghanistan. The military
For the Afghan victims of this crisis. Mr Chairman the United States has
terrorist attacks. The UN
would deteriorate even further. We
And that they'll be an even larger scale
Once again we need to be clear. The blame for this lies squarely on the
Taliban
The blame for this lies squarely on the Taliban.
Their
Taliban. Their failure to
international community's demands. To hand over Osama bin Laden and his
lieutenants
To hand over Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants.
To
lieutenants. To close down the terrorist training
workers. Has resulted in further suffering for
the
Has resulted in further suffering for the Afghan
They've continually obstructed the delivery of humanitarian assistance and
other
delivery of humanitarian assistance and other.
By
other. By the UN and other international
agencies
By the UN and other international agencies.
The
agencies. The Taleban and foreign terrorists they
harbor
The Taleban and foreign terrorists they harbor a fair
Economic devastation. An international isolation of what was
once
An international isolation of what was once a
Immediate humanitarian efforts have been directed to getting as much
humanitarian
been directed to getting as much humanitarian assistance as
into Afghanistan before the onset of winter as Andrew was just talking about
into Afghanistan before the onset of winter as Andrew was just talking about.
We're
winter as Andrew was just talking about. We're also
flow of refugees into neighboring countries
flow of refugees into neighboring countries.
Alan
countries. Alan Cresco will elaborate on the
refugee
Alan Cresco will elaborate on the refugee assist situation but there are
already
refugee assist situation but there are already three million Afghan refugees
in
already three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran
already three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran.
The
in Pakistan and Iran. The U.N. estimates of the hundreds of
thousands
The U.N. estimates of the hundreds of thousands more so the result of the
current
thousands more so the result of the current tensions
thousands more so the result of the current tensions.
Most
current tensions. Most of these refugees are
come to Pakistan. We also
Iran and other Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan
Iran and other Central Asian countries bordering Afghanistan.
To
bordering Afghanistan. To minimize
However we're also urging all neighboring countries to allow entry of
fleeing
neighboring countries to allow entry of fleeing refugees
neighboring countries to allow entry of fleeing refugees.
Let
fleeing refugees. Let me know that Pakistan has been a
generous
Let me know that Pakistan has been a generous country a first asylum for
millions
generous country a first asylum for millions of Afghan Afghans since one
nine
millions of Afghan Afghans since one nine hundred seventy nine
millions of Afghan Afghans since one nine hundred seventy nine.
We
nine hundred seventy nine. We had knowledge that they formed a
heavy
We had knowledge that they formed a heavy social and economic cost for this
generosity
heavy social and economic cost for this generosity.
It
generosity. It has legitimate
security concerns as a result of large scale refugee inflows
security concerns as a result of large scale refugee inflows.
Yet
scale refugee inflows. Yet Pakistan has given its
unconditional
international community in combating terrorism
international community in combating terrorism.
Will
terrorism. Will work with Pakistan and U.N.
agencies
Will work with Pakistan and U.N. agencies to
The economic and social costs of the current crisis
The economic and social costs of the current crisis.
We've
current crisis. We've already lifted many of the
sanctions
We've already lifted many of the sanctions and are now assembling a
Pakistan Iran to also has been a traditional host of Afghan refugees
Pakistan Iran to also has been a traditional host of Afghan refugees.
Will
traditional host of Afghan refugees. Will work through U.N. agencies and
others
Will work through U.N. agencies and others to make sure that resources are
available
others to make sure that resources are available for Afghans in Iran as well
others to make sure that resources are available for Afghans in Iran as well.
President
available for Afghans in Iran as well. President Bush has taken the lead in
crisis. But other countries are also
to do their share and. Alan will be able to
details on this. Finally
details on this. Finally.
Let
Finally. Let me refer to President Bush's radio
address
Let me refer to President Bush's radio address this weekend
Let me refer to President Bush's radio address this weekend.
He
address this weekend. He raised the
For Afghanistan. We're beginning the discussions on the
with
We're beginning the discussions on the with other
International financial institutions. And the U.N. to examine what the
reconstruction
And the U.N. to examine what the reconstruction is needs will be for
future
reconstruction is needs will be for future Afghanistan to
situation will stabilize so that we can move forward on such a
Thank you thank you very much for this role and I also the Chairman Biden
Thank you thank you very much for this role and I also the Chairman Biden.
Mentioned
role and I also the Chairman Biden. Mentioned our
on this question including the whole issue of
on this question including the whole issue of.
Of
issue of. Of food relief for
our. Thanks to the sector first five
Thank you. Cresco
Thank you. Cresco.
Thank
Cresco. Thank you Senator I'll just say a few
words
Thank you Senator I'll just say a few words on the refugee front
Thank you Senator I'll just say a few words on the refugee front.
When
words on the refugee front. When the
hundred twenty million dollars humanitarian initiative he stressed
that
humanitarian initiative he stressed that it would be available to meet the
needs
that it would be available to meet the needs of Afghans inside Afghanistan
that it would be available to meet the needs of Afghans inside Afghanistan.
And
needs of Afghans inside Afghanistan. And also for those who have to flee to
neighboring
And also for those who have to flee to neighboring countries
And also for those who have to flee to neighboring countries.
As
neighboring countries. As Mr NOT zero six
Inside Afghanistan. But we are also is a second
flows to neighboring countries. And in doing that we have to take into
account
And in doing that we have to take into account the context
And in doing that we have to take into account the context.
And
account the context. And acknowledge that Pakistan and Iran
have
And acknowledge that Pakistan and Iran have been very generous hosts
And acknowledge that Pakistan and Iran have been very generous hosts.
To
have been very generous hosts. To millions of Afghan refugees for
years
To millions of Afghan refugees for years.
There
years. There are some three million Afghan
refugees
There are some three million Afghan refugees in neighboring countries with
Pakistan
refugees in neighboring countries with Pakistan hosting two million
refugees in neighboring countries with Pakistan hosting two million.
And
Pakistan hosting two million. And Iran
Pakistan hosting two million. And Iran.
A
And Iran. A million and a half
And Iran. A million and a half.
As
A million and a half. As Christine
A million and a half. As Christine.
Noted
As Christine. Noted.
The
Noted. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
has
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that there could be an
additional
has estimated that there could be an additional one
Afghans. Seeking to entering neighboring
Afghans. Seeking to entering neighboring.
Seeking
Seeking to entering neighboring. Seeking to enter neighboring countries
in
Seeking to enter neighboring countries in the current crisis
Seeking to enter neighboring countries in the current crisis.
Their
in the current crisis. Their estimate is that roughly one
million
Their estimate is that roughly one million of those could seek to go to
Pakistan
million of those could seek to go to Pakistan.
Four
Pakistan. Four hundred thousand to Iran
Pakistan. Four hundred thousand to Iran.
And
Four hundred thousand to Iran. And fifty thousand each to tissue
Christan
And fifty thousand each to tissue Christan and Turkmenistan
And fifty thousand each to tissue Christan and Turkmenistan.
And
Christan and Turkmenistan. And the distress that these are
Years at this time the actual flow of refugees is quite small
Years at this time the actual flow of refugees is quite small.
U.N.H.C.R.
refugees is quite small. U.N.H.C.R. estimates that between
twenty
U.N.H.C.R. estimates that between twenty and thirty thousand refugees
have
twenty and thirty thousand refugees have entered Pakistan
twenty and thirty thousand refugees have entered Pakistan.
In
have entered Pakistan. In the
And there have not been any significant. New movements to Iran or the other
bordering
New movements to Iran or the other bordering countries
New movements to Iran or the other bordering countries.
Future
bordering countries. Future flows will be affected by a
number
Future flows will be affected by a number of factors including whether the
Taliban
number of factors including whether the Taliban continues to limit the ability
of
How bordering states view arriving refugees
How bordering states view arriving refugees.
How
refugees. How much relief we can get in
refugees. How much relief we can get in.
Into
How much relief we can get in. Into Afghanistan
How much relief we can get in. Into Afghanistan.
And
Into Afghanistan. And the course of how the military
activity
And the course of how the military activity unfolds
And the course of how the military activity unfolds.
As
activity unfolds. As an official matter
activity unfolds. As an official matter.
All
As an official matter. All of Afghanistan's neighbors have
closed
All of Afghanistan's neighbors have closed their borders to refugee flows
All of Afghanistan's neighbors have closed their borders to refugee flows.
However
closed their borders to refugee flows. However as a
Both Iran and Pakistan are working with U.N.H.C.R.
Both Iran and Pakistan are working with U.N.H.C.R..
To
Particularly given the large number of refugees that these countries already
host
refugees that these countries already host.
The
host. The international community needs to be
in
The international community needs to be in a
Iran and Pakistan that it will absorb the economic cost
Iran and Pakistan that it will absorb the economic cost.
If
the economic cost. If there are additional refugee flows
the economic cost. If there are additional refugee flows.
President
If there are additional refugee flows. President Bush's three hundred twenty
million
President Bush's three hundred twenty million dollar initiative
just say a word. With
Stressing the fact that we need an international humanitarian
Geneva meeting of donors. As well as Iran and Pakistan to discuss
the
As well as Iran and Pakistan to discuss the Afghan
As well as Iran and Pakistan to discuss the Afghan.
Humanitarian
the Afghan. Humanitarian situation
the Afghan. Humanitarian situation.
The
Humanitarian situation. The meeting strongly endorse the view
that
The meeting strongly endorse the view that we should do everything
to get assistance. Into Afghanistan
to get assistance. Into Afghanistan.
And
Into Afghanistan. And also endorsed contingency
for refugee flows. Senator Biden
for refugee flows. Senator Biden.
Noted
Senator Biden. Noted that the U.N. has commented that
five
Noted that the U.N. has commented that five hundred eighty million
Noted that the U.N. has commented that five hundred eighty million.
Dollars
five hundred eighty million. Dollars would be needed to address
refugee
Dollars would be needed to address refugee and humanitarian needs
Dollars would be needed to address refugee and humanitarian needs.
Over
refugee and humanitarian needs. Over the winter
refugee and humanitarian needs. Over the winter.
Overall
Over the winter. Overall the U.N. announced today that
they
Overall the U.N. announced today that they have
Overall the U.N. announced today that they have.
Pledges
they have. Pledges of seven hundred thirty million
dollars
Pledges of seven hundred thirty million dollars of humanitarian assistance
Pledges of seven hundred thirty million dollars of humanitarian assistance.
With
dollars of humanitarian assistance. With over twenty five countries
been strong. And
needed to address the humanitarian situation
needed to address the humanitarian situation.
Thank
situation. Thank you Senator
situation. Thank you Senator.
Thank
Thank you Senator. Thank you so much I think you will do
if
Thank you so much I think you will do if it's OK with my colleagues as we'll
each
if it's OK with my colleagues as we'll each go
if it's OK with my colleagues as we'll each go.
Five
each go. Five and then we'll do a follow
question if we need to that is that OK with you that are boxer so
question if we need to that is that OK with you that are boxer so.
Let
with you that are boxer so. Let me ask you first of all
with you that are boxer so. Let me ask you first of all.
Of
Let me ask you first of all. Of Mr Knox has to go to to Senator
Biden's
Of Mr Knox has to go to to Senator Biden's that he wanted to correct
himself
Biden's that he wanted to correct himself.
He
himself. He had initially talked about three
hundred
He had initially talked about three hundred fifty thousand
He had initially talked about three hundred fifty thousand.
Daily
Well actually that be like thirty nine thirty seven or thirty nine thousand
Well actually that be like thirty nine thirty seven or thirty nine thousand.
Now
thirty seven or thirty nine thousand. Now.
With
Now. With these figures each H.D.R.
Now. With these figures each H.D.R..
It
With these figures each H.D.R.. It could be two Beals of
But even if but. But there's two questions I'll ask you
there
But there's two questions I'll ask you there are many are saying that few of
the
there are many are saying that few of the H.D.R.'s actually reached the
targets
the H.D.R.'s actually reached the targets number one
the H.D.R.'s actually reached the targets number one.
And
targets number one. And even if
targets number one. And even if.
Every
the Afghans who are now at risk of starvation and I wondered
the Afghans who are now at risk of starvation and I wondered.
I
just but a start and but I wonder if you could
This by the way I brought it with me just
this is a humanitarian ration there had been some media
rations military we're not doing that this route
rations military we're not doing that this route.
This
this route. This was designed in the mid one
thousand
This was designed in the mid one thousand nine hundred
the level of fat content that we have in our military rations
the level of fat content that we have in our military rations.
I
in our military rations. I used to have to eat them as a soldier
I
I used to have to eat them as a soldier I can tell you
I used to have to eat them as a soldier I can tell you.
These
I can tell you. These are actually better
I can tell you. These are actually better.
I
These are actually better. I think than the military rations of
These are actually better. I think than the military rations of.
That's
I think than the military rations of. That's a matter of
taste these in the mid ninety's when they were
And then these sort of thing because one is because they fall into the
ground
one is because they fall into the ground and there they are there
one is because they fall into the ground and there they are there.
They
ground and there they are there. They say on them that they are a gift
of
They say on them that they are a gift of the American
any language by the law on their own and it has a
Eating so they can see to that this is something to eat
Eating so they can see to that this is something to eat.
In
something to eat. In terms of
something to eat. In terms of.
The
In terms of. The actual
It's thirty five about thirty five thirty six thousand of these are
hours ago I checked what the number was. And as of this afternoon
hours ago I checked what the number was. And as of this afternoon.
And
And as of this afternoon. And that will increase as the days move
on
And that will increase as the days move on.
We
on. We used to standards
on. We used to standards.
In
data from the from the ground. One is since in amongst the snows will
begin
One is since in amongst the snows will begin.
In
begin. In the Hindu Kush
begin. In the Hindu Kush.
That
In the Hindu Kush. That we wanted to send these
to areas that were inaccessible by ground either
to areas that were inaccessible by ground either.
In
ground either. In remote areas or in the Hindu Kush
ground either. In remote areas or in the Hindu Kush.
So
In remote areas or in the Hindu Kush. So inaccessibility by ground
is the first condition. And the second condition is extremely
traditional
And the second condition is extremely traditional distress you notice this is
met
traditional distress you notice this is met by the way you may may know that
you
met by the way you may may know that you have this chart
met by the way you may may know that you have this chart.
And
you have this chart. And that sure
you have this chart. And that sure.
They're
And that sure. They're different that's for a maid
that's
They're different that's for a maid that's the drought in May This is the
drought
that's the drought in May This is the drought as of today
that's the drought in May This is the drought as of today.
You
drought as of today. You can see things have deteriorated
substantially
You can see things have deteriorated substantially since May of this year
You can see things have deteriorated substantially since May of this year.
But
substantially since May of this year. But you can tell from this man
substantially since May of this year. But you can tell from this man.
In
But you can tell from this man. In the dark green areas where the areas
of
In the dark green areas where the areas of the most severe nutritional distress
because
of the most severe nutritional distress because the joy of the drought was most
severe
because the joy of the drought was most severe most Afghans are in fact
because the joy of the drought was most severe most Afghans are in fact.
Farmers
severe most Afghans are in fact. Farmers are herders
severe most Afghans are in fact. Farmers are herders.
And
Farmers are herders. And so that's how we target
Farmers are herders. And so that's how we target.
This
And so that's how we target. This.
This
This. This is a very small
When it's finished and I can tell you what it's going to finish because that
When it's finished and I can tell you what it's going to finish because that.
Totally for the whole country. To great
Totally for the whole country. To great.
Bowl
To great. Bowl of food in any famine is always
delivered
Bowl of food in any famine is always delivered.
On
delivered. On the ground in this case by trucks
mostly
On the ground in this case by trucks mostly in some areas in the mountains
we
mostly in some areas in the mountains we will deliver by
mostly in some areas in the mountains we will deliver by.
Don
we will deliver by. Don So you sure
we will deliver by. Don So you sure.
Point
Don So you sure. Point is that the that this is just but
a
Point is that the that this is just but a small Those are all
Let me ask you one other quick thing about the air
There has been and. These are
There has been and. These are.
I
These are. I want this to be you know kind of a
rigorous
I want this to be you know kind of a rigorous hearing so I
some criticism that. That actually the air
There are N.G.O.s. The NGOs that been working on the
ground
The NGOs that been working on the ground in Afghanistan for decades
The NGOs that been working on the ground in Afghanistan for decades.
Have
ground in Afghanistan for decades. Have argued some have that combining
the
Have argued some have that combining the military and the humanitarian
agenda
the military and the humanitarian agenda there's in in
the military and the humanitarian agenda there's in in.
Basically
agenda there's in in. Basically.
In
Basically. In danger
Basically. In danger.
They're
Work on the ground. And I wonder how you
criticism I've I've I've heard this I've seen some of
And I want to get your reaction. Well that's the first thing I would say
And I want to get your reaction. Well that's the first thing I would say.
Is
Well that's the first thing I would say. Is that while
Well that's the first thing I would say. Is that while.
Our
Is that while. Our main
circumstances. Is to save
The fact of the matter is all food that we distribute
The fact of the matter is all food that we distribute.
In
we distribute. In a famine
we distribute. In a famine.
In
In a famine. In a highly
situation. Has
by. When
by. When you feed
In a conflict like this. You're making a statement that the
Afghan
it but it is the reason. You know it is a secondary message that
is
You know it is a secondary message that is being said
You know it is a secondary message that is being said.
I
is being said. I don't think that's bad I think it's
good
I don't think that's bad I think it's good.
We
good. We don't want the great bulk of Afghans
to
We don't want the great bulk of Afghans to be involved in this conflict we
wanted
to be involved in this conflict we wanted to be directed at the
regard the Taliban. As an
country. The State
summer. Among the
Which is the ethnic base of the. The Taleban seventy five
running. Even any of the country
running. Even any of the country.
So
Even any of the country. So they have to exert the small base of
And we want to send a message that. That's fine you don't think I'll come
back
That's fine you don't think I'll come back to the food come or not later but
That's fine you don't think I'll come back to the food come or not later but.
But
back to the food come or not later but. But you
back to the food come or not later but. But you.
But
But you. But you don't
But you. But you don't.
We
But you don't. We always
N.G.O.s tell me I've always have such admiration for their work
N.G.O.s tell me I've always have such admiration for their work.
And
admiration for their work. And you don't think this is an end this
is
And you don't think this is an end this is in danger in their own
No one we're not distributing these to endure overseas or through military or
It's not a normal that the ration is distributed so it's a very different
kind
distributed so it's a very different kind of rations this being distributed
distributed so it's a very different kind of rations this being distributed.
I
kind of rations this being distributed. I don't have to say I don't see any
downside
I don't have to say I don't see any downside.
In
downside. In any way
downside. In any way.
To
In any way. To that we're not asking the NGOs to
thank you Senator Boxer. I just want you to know that I
thank you Senator Boxer. I just want you to know that I.
I
I just want you to know that I. I believe it's very
And from our allies in this fight against terrorism because I think that
is
against terrorism because I think that is essential and
against terrorism because I think that is essential and.
As
is essential and. As my friend Ellie Smeal taught me and
will
As my friend Ellie Smeal taught me and will teach us all later
As my friend Ellie Smeal taught me and will teach us all later.
The
will teach us all later. The life of a lot of the Afghan
is that they bury their radios and televisions because they're not really
not
televisions because they're not really not allowed to
What the Taliban are telling them so the fact they can see this from us I
think
the fact they can see this from us I think is
the fact they can see this from us I think is.
I
think is. I think is
Senator Wellstone. Certainly has
this is a very good question here. And one I want to ask any of you
this is a very good question here. And one I want to ask any of you.
From what I know about the area. How do you make sure that this
From what I know about the area. How do you make sure that this.
Whether
How do you make sure that this. Whether it's on the ground or coming
from
Whether it's on the ground or coming from the air is going to the right
Whether it's on the ground or coming from the air is going to the right.
Is there any control over that. Are they getting the food
read somewhere they were in the wood burning it
read somewhere they were in the wood burning it.
I
burning it. I don't know if that's accurate or
inaccurate
I don't know if that's accurate or inaccurate.
What
inaccurate. What is it life
inaccurate. What is it life.
For
What is it life. For a family here
What is it life. For a family here.
You
For a family here. You say you don't want them to move
For a family here. You say you don't want them to move.
But
You say you don't want them to move. But if I was a mom over there
You say you don't want them to move. But if I was a mom over there.
And
But if I was a mom over there. And I knew that when she was coming
But if I was a mom over there. And I knew that when she was coming.
And
And I knew that when she was coming. And they were just
And I knew that when she was coming. And they were just.
The
And they were just. The days were
get it. Maybe the Taliban would beat me to it
get it. Maybe the Taliban would beat me to it.
I
Maybe the Taliban would beat me to it. I think I'd get out of the freezing
It's. And
It's. And then go to the border and then how
do
And then go to the border and then how do you deal with the fact that there
are
do you deal with the fact that there are some skirmishes going on on the
Pakistani
are some skirmishes going on on the Pakistani border
are some skirmishes going on on the Pakistani border.
Either
Pakistani border. Either with Taliban themselves or
Taliban
Where do they go to get this food for their family
Where do they go to get this food for their family.
To
their family. To be left in
If you have the chance to answer that question
If you have the chance to answer that question.
For
question. For someone who's looking for an answer
question. For someone who's looking for an answer.
What
For someone who's looking for an answer. What would it be the first is that
reasons and. When you have a civil war and a famine
at
When you have a civil war and a famine at the same time
When you have a civil war and a famine at the same time.
It's
at the same time. It's difficult to tell some
leave for both. Security reasons
leave for both. Security reasons.
And
Security reasons. And for nutritional reasons because
they've
And for nutritional reasons because they've run out of
they have no assets love to so. They have no animals left so or to eat
they have no assets love to so. They have no animals left so or to eat.
They
They have no animals left so or to eat. They can't they don't have remittances
for
They can't they don't have remittances for whatever reason though they're in a
remote
for whatever reason though they're in a remote area
for whatever reason though they're in a remote area.
Their
Right. Where would you advise them to go
Right. Where would you advise them to go.
Well
Where would you advise them to go. Well.
We
Well. We are trying to get
if they move. The reality is that the neighboring
thing
The reality is that the neighboring thing that you just said that it's and
I
thing that you just said that it's and I think an honest answer
thing that you just said that it's and I think an honest answer.
Yes
I think an honest answer. Yes.
It's
Yes. It's that the reality is that we have
haven't
It's that the reality is that we have haven't had
in famines. If
Instance their. Their risk of dying dramatically
increases
Their risk of dying dramatically increases.
ALEX
increases. ALEX to wall wrote a book called famine
famines
ALEX to wall wrote a book called famine famines that kills us about the
Sudanese
famines that kills us about the Sudanese famine one thousand nine
hundred
Sudanese famine one thousand nine hundred five
Sudanese famine one thousand nine hundred five.
And
hundred five. And what he found is that of
hundred five. And what he found is that of.
One
And what he found is that of. One of the major reasons
dying. Was not because of hunger but because
they
Was not because of hunger but because they were severely malnourished and
when
they were severely malnourished and when they got to the
And they're so close together sanitary conditions are so bad
And they're so close together sanitary conditions are so bad.
They
conditions are so bad. They were dying from disease in fact
most
death they die. Of communicable disease
death they die. Of communicable disease.
Before
Of communicable disease. Before they actually starve to death
because
Before they actually starve to death because their bodies their mean systems
have
because their bodies their mean systems have been we can from the hunger so we
don't
have been we can from the hunger so we don't want them to meet and
have been we can from the hunger so we don't want them to meet and.
Reason
don't want them to meet and. Reason to leave
don't want them to meet and. Reason to leave.
For
Reason to leave. For health reasons nutrition reasons
Reason to leave. For health reasons nutrition reasons.
And
For health reasons nutrition reasons. And survival
Is there truth to what Senator Dodd said I had read it also that you will
that
said I had read it also that you will that it's not called Ebola but it is
similar
that it's not called Ebola but it is similar in its causes severe internal
bleeding
similar in its causes severe internal bleeding and there
outbreak in one of the areas. Although we are investigating that now
outbreak in one of the areas. Although we are investigating that now.
It's
Although we are investigating that now. It's not on a massive scale but there
are
It's not on a massive scale but there are some
It's not on a massive scale but there are some.
Right
are some. Right along the Pakistani border I
think
Right along the Pakistani border I think in the the northern area
Right along the Pakistani border I think in the the northern area.
But
think in the the northern area. But you know he first subcommittees in
for
But you know he first subcommittees in for and we certainly will
But you know he first subcommittees in for and we certainly will.
Front
for and we certainly will. Front.
We
Front. We certainly won't let me answer the
question
We certainly won't let me answer the question in the center that you asked
though
question in the center that you asked though about Target How do we know
where
though about Target How do we know where the food goes
though about Target How do we know where the food goes.
It
where the food goes. It is not just the world
where the food goes. It is not just the world.
With
It is not just the world. With the full Food Program does the
large
With the full Food Program does the large scale logistics they move the
food
large scale logistics they move the food in large tonnages inside the
country
food in large tonnages inside the country.
There's
country. There's now fifty thousand tons of food
inside
There's now fifty thousand tons of food inside Pakistan destined for
Afghanistan
inside Pakistan destined for Afghanistan.
Sixty
Afghanistan. Sixty five thousand tons are on the
high
Sixty five thousand tons are on the high seas from the United States
Sixty five thousand tons are on the high seas from the United States.
And
high seas from the United States. And we just ordered two weeks ago
another
And we just ordered two weeks ago another hundred thousand tons
And we just ordered two weeks ago another hundred thousand tons.
There
another hundred thousand tons. There was actually the decision was
made
There was actually the decision was made in June
There was actually the decision was made in June.
Long
made in June. Long before
One hundred and. Over two hundred thousand tons of food
is
Over two hundred thousand tons of food is either in country or on the way
Over two hundred thousand tons of food is either in country or on the way.
I
is either in country or on the way. I might add
is either in country or on the way. I might add.
Eighty
I might add. Eighty five
distributed in Afghanistan last she was from the United States
distributed in Afghanistan last she was from the United States.
Eighty
from the United States. Eighty five
And it will be that high this year as well and that's fine
And it will be that high this year as well and that's fine.
How
well and that's fine. How do we distributed once it gets
inside
How do we distributed once it gets inside the country
How do we distributed once it gets inside the country.
W
inside the country. W A P then gives it to the
voluntary organizations. And they have networks some of them
have
And they have networks some of them have been around twenty or thirty years
they
have been around twenty or thirty years they know who is in all the communities
they
they know who is in all the communities they have lists of
Some of them have Afghan staffs of a thousand to two thousand
their staff for one in geo to distribute the food from lists
their staff for one in geo to distribute the food from lists.
Based
distribute the food from lists. Based on targeting
distribute the food from lists. Based on targeting.
Based
Based on targeting. Based on their income levels
Based on targeting. Based on their income levels.
And
Based on their income levels. And their resources and their hunger
levels
And their resources and their hunger levels of their acutely malnourished if
the
levels of their acutely malnourished if the.
If
the. If they're in
alternative way of feeding themselves. Then you need C R M N L N talk about
that
Then you need C R M N L N talk about that but there's a way of targeting
with
that but there's a way of targeting with that the NGOs and the UN agencies
use
with that the NGOs and the UN agencies use that
with that the NGOs and the UN agencies use that.
Now
use that. Now that ensures that the food goes to
the
Now that ensures that the food goes to the right
And by the way. That's continued
And by the way. That's continued.
Even
That's continued. Even now
That's continued. Even now.
With
Even now. With all of what's going on because
those
With all of what's going on because those that works are still in
within Afghanistan to say this my comment I don't need another round but
within Afghanistan to say this my comment I don't need another round but.
You
comment I don't need another round but. You know there are other challenges
that
You know there are other challenges that make sure those good
get hurt and lusts and un. Volunteers and this
get hurt and lusts and un. Volunteers and this.
This
Volunteers and this. This is another
Volunteers and this. This is another.
Yes
This is another. Yes it is valid for us and gets
This is another. Yes it is valid for us and gets.
This
Yes it is valid for us and gets. This situation this dual track
situation
This situation this dual track situation.
What
situation. What we did
situation. What we did.
The
What we did. The week after the
United States was we knew. Privately there was going to be a
The bin Laden and al Qaeda was involved in this
The bin Laden and al Qaeda was involved in this.
We
in this. We told and there was there actually
had
We told and there was there actually had been a withdrawal of
the arrest of those aid workers. This
the arrest of those aid workers. This.
The instruction we sent. Downstairs to the F.D.A. in Food for
Peace
Downstairs to the F.D.A. in Food for Peace and
Downstairs to the F.D.A. in Food for Peace and.
And
Peace and. And for the aid network was in the U.S.
government
And for the aid network was in the U.S. government has continued to
Afghan. Staff because we do not want them
leaving
Staff because we do not want them leaving their
the these very talented very dedicated Afghans stay in
along Senator Dodd. And we're joined by Senator Nelson
along Senator Dodd. And we're joined by Senator Nelson.
Thanks
And we're joined by Senator Nelson. Thanks for being here
And we're joined by Senator Nelson. Thanks for being here.
Thanks
Thanks for being here. Thanks so let me ask you two or three
quick
Thanks so let me ask you two or three quick questions because the time frame
are
quick questions because the time frame are small and you to
I noticed the major. Riots at least recently just to correct
that
Riots at least recently just to correct that C.H. in that Pakistan community in
the
that C.H. in that Pakistan community in the southwest
that C.H. in that Pakistan community in the southwest.
That's
the southwest. That's.
Shows
That's. Shows a tremendous increase in the
number
Shows a tremendous increase in the number of refugees in the last twenty
five
number of refugees in the last twenty five days of twenty thousand
have come into that one area. The curious as to whether or not they
have
The curious as to whether or not they have any information that a lot of the
anti
have any information that a lot of the anti US
have any information that a lot of the anti US.
Rallies
anti US. Rallies maybe by
anti US. Rallies maybe by.
Actually
Rallies maybe by. Actually Taliban
to destabilize Pakistan number one number two
to destabilize Pakistan number one number two.
Where's
number two. Where's the source of heat or fuel
number two. Where's the source of heat or fuel.
That
Where's the source of heat or fuel. That the Afghan
the winter much. What a sad situation
the winter much. What a sad situation.
Whether
What a sad situation. Whether or not you have any information
as
Whether or not you have any information as to whether or not the Taliban
themselves
as to whether or not the Taliban themselves are interfering with any of
the
themselves are interfering with any of the efforts of
a determination. Les I'm just curious I mean I said
almost
Les I'm just curious I mean I said almost facetiously this committee that
we
almost facetiously this committee that we should have been conducted by the
Western
it. It's
it. It's being drunk and
it. It's being drunk and.
The
It's being drunk and. The Afghan tongue this is the language
on
The Afghan tongue this is the language on the
so. That's what was
We didn't have a branch of art for. You know English and
cannot read Senator. About two thirds of the
ones who are most likely to die. And they're the least educated so it's
ones who are most likely to die. And they're the least educated so it's.
The
and I don't care what it's in there but some
I'll give you money a bag on the bags of
I'll give you money a bag on the bags of.
Of
of. Of which there will be hundreds of
thousands
Of which there will be hundreds of thousands.
I
thousands. I had we had
to what I say. The two
On the bag. With a giant American flag
On the bag. With a giant American flag.
And
With a giant American flag. And what it says and
With a giant American flag. And what it says and.
In
And what it says and. In his gift of the American
food. In
food. In the big bags
food. In the big bags.
Which
In the big bags. Which will get a huge number of
so. There's no way can
there's a good chance of something just that it takes a while to save state or
it
that it takes a while to save state or it takes a while to
understand and I'm not trying to be but I guess ten to ten
read something. The big thing that makes
is the American flag. For it came from and the
But in the big bags it will be in the local languages knows of being
from the international community and I might like to see obviously that we get
some
might like to see obviously that we get some credit here
might like to see obviously that we get some credit here.
Might
some credit here. Might also be
including other. Other Arabic countries that are
everywhere
Other Arabic countries that are everywhere on food
Other Arabic countries that are everywhere on food.
Puts
everywhere on food. Puts their
everywhere on food. Puts their.
Their
Puts their. Their flag and there are
Puts their. Their flag and there are.
There
Their flag and there are. There are a lot of feeds on the bags
they
There are a lot of feeds on the bags they all do that but
is that our efforts are being joined. Yes
Not an Arab world. Absolutely
Not an Arab world. Absolutely.
And
Absolutely. And that is a very you know that's why
we
And that is a very you know that's why we have a critically
And that is a very you know that's why we have a critically.
Yes
we have a critically. Yes.
I
Yes. I would
three questions are you asked a question on fuel
three questions are you asked a question on fuel.
There
question on fuel. There are three ways in the money to
the
There are three ways in the money to the mining whether or not we have any
foreign
the mining whether or not we have any foreign nation what does the money yes
it's
foreign nation what does the money yes it's here where that we're
know there's a liberation of mines. We'll
Your back to OK in terms of the fuel there are three ways which in Afghans
Your back to OK in terms of the fuel there are three ways which in Afghans.
Heat
there are three ways which in Afghans. Heat their homes
there are three ways which in Afghans. Heat their homes.
One
Heat their homes. One is through what
Heat their homes. One is through what.
Second
One is through what. Second is charcoal
One is through what. Second is charcoal.
And
Second is charcoal. And third
Second is charcoal. And third.
If
And third. If the cattle herds were still good
in the Highlands and in the cattle growing areas however a lot of the
cattle
growing areas however a lot of the cattle of died
growing areas however a lot of the cattle of died.
So
cattle of died. So they're relying more and more on
what
So they're relying more and more on what unfortunately
So they're relying more and more on what unfortunately.
The
what unfortunately. The the
what unfortunately. The the.
The
The the. The manure is much more sustainable
obviously
The manure is much more sustainable obviously.
But
obviously. But in this case we can't use that
because
But in this case we can't use that because many of the animals have died
so
because many of the animals have died so.
That's
so. That's the way they
so. That's the way they.
They
That's the way they. They heat their the cook their food and
that's
They heat their the cook their food and that's the way they heat their homes in
the
that's the way they heat their homes in the wintertime in terms of demining we
are
the wintertime in terms of demining we are very much aware of this
the wintertime in terms of demining we are very much aware of this.
And
are very much aware of this. And that was taken into account
are very much aware of this. And that was taken into account.
During
And that was taken into account. During the
And that was taken into account. During the.
Plotting
During the. Plotting.
Of
Plotting. Of where these
Plotting. Of where these.
have gotten one or two of these things but I got to tell you
have gotten one or two of these things but I got to tell you.
There
but I got to tell you. There were not
And that was just a coincidence the areas that we
fact based on the two standards I mentioned earlier so I don't think that
they're
mentioned earlier so I don't think that they're getting so much
information that we have about where the mines are we there was a large
scale
the mines are we there was a large scale.
Ngo
scale. Ngo U.N.
scale. Ngo U.N..
Demining
Ngo U.N.. Demining effort that's been going on
since
Demining effort that's been going on since the end of the Soviet
Of the areas. There I think two or three big N.G.O.s
to
There I think two or three big N.G.O.s to do nothing but the mining and
contract
to do nothing but the mining and contract firms
to do nothing but the mining and contract firms.
And
contract firms. And so there's a lot of data I have not
had and there have been discussions within D.O.D. with these
issue because it has been a concern we don't want to
obviously there would be terrible if we did that and thank you very much sir
Nelson
did that and thank you very much sir Nelson is the senator from Connecticut
need
Nelson is the senator from Connecticut need to have another question and I
would
need to have another question and I would certainly yield to him
need to have another question and I would certainly yield to him.
He's
would certainly yield to him. He's been Verjee awaiting those we have
another
else. Thank you as well which at last
else. Thank you as well which at last.
We
Thank you as well which at last. We got our committee when and had a
wonderful
We got our committee when and had a wonderful exchange of ideas with
Secretary
wonderful exchange of ideas with Secretary of State Secretary Rocha
wonderful exchange of ideas with Secretary of State Secretary Rocha.
Was
Secretary of State Secretary Rocha. Was there and
Secretary of State Secretary Rocha. Was there and.
One
Was there and. One of the things that I shared was
that
One of the things that I shared was that.
I
that. I am given to believe that we have had
a
I am given to believe that we have had a tremendous success with our food
distribution
a tremendous success with our food distribution in North Korea
a tremendous success with our food distribution in North Korea.
That
distribution in North Korea. That.
The
That. The fact that the food is distributed
in
The fact that the food is distributed in sacks
The fact that the food is distributed in sacks.
That
in sacks. That the
the United States. That they use the sacks for other
things
That they use the sacks for other things.
And
things. And if we are about trying to win
friends
And if we are about trying to win friends and the hearts and minds of the
for us to learn. So in addition to
of food. Tell us about that
of food. Tell us about that.
And
Tell us about that. And what will the sack say
Tell us about that. And what will the sack say.
On
And what will the sack say. On that I have to tell you I was
involved
On that I have to tell you I was involved with an NGO When we did that
in
involved with an NGO When we did that in North Korea when I say we the United
States
in North Korea when I say we the United States did it and
in North Korea when I say we the United States did it and.
I
States did it and. I have done some writing on the North
Korean
I have done some writing on the North Korean famine and I interviewed
refugees
North Korea. And I interviewed one who said he saw
the
And I interviewed one who said he saw the sacks
And I interviewed one who said he saw the sacks.
And
the sacks. And he said our government didn't tell
us
And he said our government didn't tell us.
But
us. But it said we for the first time we've
never
North Korean famine. We
Gift. Of
Gift. Of the
a flag. We've always done it
a flag. We've always done it.
Previously
We've always done it. Previously in English
We've always done it. Previously in English.
The
Previously in English. The first time we did it and
Previously in English. The first time we did it and.
The
The first time we did it and. The reason we're doing it in
Afghanistan
The reason we're doing it in Afghanistan is because it was so
divisive
Afghanistan is because it was so divisive in North Korea and so
successful
divisive in North Korea and so successful I tell you story
divisive in North Korea and so successful I tell you story.
The
successful I tell you story. The first food
East region of. North Korea in the famine
East region of. North Korea in the famine.
No
North Korea in the famine. No food had been delivered for two and
a
No food had been delivered for two and a half years by Saddam the central
government
a half years by Saddam the central government was mass starvation
a half years by Saddam the central government was mass starvation.
The
government was mass starvation. The first
harbor. As an American
The North Korean military required the U.S. government to take the flag down
because
U.S. government to take the flag down because they didn't want riots in the
streets
because they didn't want riots in the streets.
They
streets. They took the flag because they could
deliver
They took the flag because they could deliver the food otherwise
They took the flag because they could deliver the food otherwise.
But
deliver the food otherwise. But I talked to several W. F. P.
logisticians
But I talked to several W. F. P. logisticians They said everybody in
this
logisticians They said everybody in this city
logisticians They said everybody in this city.
Who
this city. Who or it came from this is sort of on
the
Who or it came from this is sort of on the bag
Who or it came from this is sort of on the bag.
And
the bag. And they said
the bag. And they said.
One
And they said. One of this Roy
And they said. One of this Roy.
Refugee
One of this Roy. Refugee said to me
One of this Roy. Refugee said to me.
We
Refugee said to me. We now know who our real enemies are
Refugee said to me. We now know who our real enemies are.
We
We now know who our real enemies are. We were taught all our lives it was the
United
We were taught all our lives it was the United States
We were taught all our lives it was the United States.
It's
United States. It's not the United States
United States. It's not the United States.
It's
It's not the United States. It's our own government
It's not the United States. It's our own government.
That's
It's our own government. That's what they say this is what your
refugee
That's what they say this is what your refugee told me that one bag he saw
said
refugee told me that one bag he saw said.
A
said. A lot of things to him
said. A lot of things to him.
The
A lot of things to him. The only through the got in there too
and
The only through the got in there too and a half years from from the United
States
and a half years from from the United States it's a very
All. right And so from that succession and
we
right And so from that succession and we are a reminder stay I guess that
they
we are a reminder stay I guess that they not only
we are a reminder stay I guess that they not only.
Get
they not only. Get the value of the food but they use
the
Get the value of the food but they use the sacks for thing
Get the value of the food but they use the sacks for thing.
Absolutely
the sacks for thing. Absolutely they do
the sacks for thing. Absolutely they do.
So
Absolutely they do. So what are we going to do
Absolutely they do. So what are we going to do.
All
So what are we going to do. All of this edition of those little
three hundred and four hundred thousand tons of food to be delivered from the
United
tons of food to be delivered from the United States
tons of food to be delivered from the United States.
To
United States. To Afghanistan in this current fiscal
year
To Afghanistan in this current fiscal year this this
Pushed to you. And what's Dari and Pashto and Dari
Pushed to you. And what's Dari and Pashto and Dari.
Gift
And what's Dari and Pashto and Dari. Gift.
Of
Gift. Of the American
And there will be a fly on American flag on the bags and
And there will be a fly on American flag on the bags and.
That's
flag on the bags and. That's how the food will be distributed
flag on the bags and. That's how the food will be distributed.
There
That's how the food will be distributed. There.
Their
There. Their bags about this big
There. Their bags about this big.
Well
Their bags about this big. Well it's one hundred ten
Generally fifty kilos. Hundred a little bit hundred ten you're
right
Hundred a little bit hundred ten you're right.
Hundred
right. Hundred ten
right. Hundred ten.
Yeah
Hundred ten. Yeah OK
Hundred ten. Yeah OK.
Now
Yeah OK. Now you need to know what I just saw
last
Now you need to know what I just saw last Friday
Now you need to know what I just saw last Friday.
In
last Friday. In the
I went there for a different reason I went there on
I was gratified. When I saw a whole warehouse
I was gratified. When I saw a whole warehouse.
Of
When I saw a whole warehouse. Of one hundred ten
When I saw a whole warehouse. Of one hundred ten.
Pails
Of one hundred ten. Pails sacks of flour
Of one hundred ten. Pails sacks of flour.
Going
Pails sacks of flour. Going to to Jake a stand
Pails sacks of flour. Going to to Jake a stand.
But
Going to to Jake a stand. But the sax
Going to to Jake a stand. But the sax.
Just
But the sax. Just had USA and
But the sax. Just had USA and.
Red
Just had USA and. Red white and blue
Just had USA and. Red white and blue.
They
Red white and blue. They don't read
Red white and blue. They don't read.
USA
They don't read. USA.
So
USA. So they need to say
USA. So they need to say.
In
So they need to say. In the native language so we're getting
the
In the native language so we're getting the credit for
In the native language so we're getting the credit for.
Well
the credit for. Well Senator
the credit for. Well Senator.
I
Well Senator. I learned some lessons from the North
Korean
I learned some lessons from the North Korean family we're beginning to to
enforce
Korean family we're beginning to to enforce that
Korean family we're beginning to to enforce that.
And
enforce that. And we're going to continue to do that
I
And we're going to continue to do that I know you got to do this quickly
And we're going to continue to do that I know you got to do this quickly.
And
I know you got to do this quickly. And that's
we gave this or three weeks ago something
we gave this or three weeks ago something.
In
something. In terms of the
this doesn't take much and it's something that we would have brought a
Korean back so you could see it it's rather than red white and blue
Korean back so you could see it it's rather than red white and blue.
There
rather than red white and blue. There was no flag
rather than red white and blue. There was no flag.
There
There was no flag. There was nothing
And for somebody who doesn't read a relation
And for somebody who doesn't read a relation.
They
relation. They wouldn't have any idea where it
came
They wouldn't have any idea where it came if there are other
They wouldn't have any idea where it came if there are other.
Means
came if there are other. Means by which we will be making known
came if there are other. Means by which we will be making known.
How
Means by which we will be making known. How large the aid
distributing the aid what countries are involved
distributing the aid what countries are involved.
Where
involved. Where the food is moving to
involved. Where the food is moving to.
Because
Where the food is moving to. Because we believe
Where the food is moving to. Because we believe.
For
Because we believe. For humanitarian
ration is they're going to get. And it will become clear
ration is they're going to get. And it will become clear.
That
And it will become clear. That is not the Taliban the
the Afghan government it's not even a government the movement we should
the Afghan government it's not even a government the movement we should.
We
government the movement we should. We should even call it a regime
government the movement we should. We should even call it a regime.
It's
We should even call it a regime. It's just a movement
We should even call it a regime. It's just a movement.
All
It's just a movement. All right
It's just a movement. All right.
They
All right. They have not been feeding their
the same the last summer I said what is before
know what the NGOs told me. Absolutely nothing
know what the NGOs told me. Absolutely nothing.
I'm
Absolutely nothing. I'm going to
because I'm worried about that we won't get the other because the other
to make sure that somebody is going to check this out why was the hole where
house
check this out why was the hole where house.
Of
house. Of which I'm just so grateful for that
is
Of which I'm just so grateful for that is going to do
Of which I'm just so grateful for that is going to do.
To
is going to do. To Jake to stand but with the
is going to do. To Jake to stand but with the.
It's
in North Korea you would think that that would be one of the first things
that
that would be one of the first things that we think of when they were sent in
that would be one of the first things that we think of when they were sent in.
Sacks
that we think of when they were sent in. Sacks of flour two to Jamaica stand
that we think of when they were sent in. Sacks of flour two to Jamaica stand.
As
Sacks of flour two to Jamaica stand. As a senator from Florida or Saks or
for
As a senator from Florida or Saks or for.
There
for. There is a drought and a famine not a
famine
There is a drought and a famine not a famine a severe food emergency and to
take
famine a severe food emergency and to take a stand now
famine a severe food emergency and to take a stand now.
Those
take a stand now. Those actually work for Afghanistan
they
Those actually work for Afghanistan they were for another
But you're right. On your
I take it well. Korea was the first country but we but
the
Korea was the first country but we but the.
I
the. I don't I am aware of those that were
aware
I don't I am aware of those that were aware in us what genius is thought
about
aware in us what genius is thought about this so that
aware in us what genius is thought about this so that.
I'm
about this so that. I'm standing here that I thought
about this so that. I'm standing here that I thought.
You
I'm standing here that I thought. You know this is not terribly difficult
because
You know this is not terribly difficult because you know and it's just it's so
incredibly
because you know and it's just it's so incredibly great
because you know and it's just it's so incredibly great.
For
incredibly great. For our country that here we've got a
communist
For our country that here we've got a communist dictator
For our country that here we've got a communist dictator.
That
communist dictator. That is constantly trying to tell the
we are. And here that
grateful. To
grateful. To.
America
To. America The as a result of what they're
getting
America The as a result of what they're getting.
The
getting. The senator from Florida in the Senate
from
The senator from Florida in the Senate from Connecticut have been heard and
The senator from Florida in the Senate from Connecticut have been heard and.
Well
from Connecticut have been heard and. Well I want to know who are we going to
hear
Well I want to know who are we going to hear from and when are we going to hear
Well I want to know who are we going to hear from and when are we going to hear.
To
hear from and when are we going to hear. To draw those where we will be
hear from and when are we going to hear. To draw those where we will be.
I
To draw those where we will be. I don't know I don't want to
To draw those where we will be. I don't know I don't want to.
I
I don't know I don't want to. I think
I don't know I don't want to. I think.
I
I think. I think all of you
I think. I think all of you.
I
I think all of you. I believe be there will be follow
from the Center for Florida and. We thank all three of you and let me
call
We thank all three of you and let me call the next
Mr Nicholas de Ronde. Who is the executive director of
Doctors
Who is the executive director of Doctors Without Borders
Who is the executive director of Doctors Without Borders.
Mr
Doctors Without Borders. Mr Ken Bacon
And I would ask unanimous consent that. Center
And I would ask unanimous consent that. Center.
The
Center. The statement goes on the record and
Center. The statement goes on the record and.
A
The statement goes on the record and. A statement from Human Rights Watch be
included
A statement from Human Rights Watch be included in the record as well
A statement from Human Rights Watch be included in the record as well.
If
included in the record as well. If you will you see a list
included in the record as well. If you will you see a list.
Only
If you will you see a list. Only.
Just
Only. Just bloggers
Only. Just bloggers.
You
Just bloggers. You know I think
Just bloggers. You know I think.
You
You know I think. You know what language is that does
that
You know what language is that does that what we saw was the way we will
see
that what we saw was the way we will see if I could bring that if I could
bring
see if I could bring that if I could bring the hearing to or
see if I could bring that if I could bring the hearing to or.
We've
bring the hearing to or. We've got a very
hear from and we'll start with Mr to rot
hear from and we'll start with Mr to rot.
Thank
rot. Thank you Senator Wellstone these
gentlemen
Thank you Senator Wellstone these gentlemen I am
Thank you Senator Wellstone these gentlemen I am.
I'm
gentlemen I am. I'm very grateful to you Senator Boxer
and
I'm very grateful to you Senator Boxer and toaster
I'm very grateful to you Senator Boxer and toaster.
Mr
and toaster. Mr try excuse me it's our boxers right
and toaster. Mr try excuse me it's our boxers right.
As
Mr try excuse me it's our boxers right. As those of you leave the room if you
could
Thank you very much. I'm very grateful to you Senator Boxer
and
I'm very grateful to you Senator Boxer and Senator Wellstone
I'm very grateful to you Senator Boxer and Senator Wellstone.
For
and Senator Wellstone. For convening this
humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and before doing so I would first like
to
Of that all the mischief. Staff and volunteers around the world
felt
Staff and volunteers around the world felt following the
attacks on the United States. And extend Oracle and
attacks on the United States. And extend Oracle and.
Condolences
And extend Oracle and. Condolences to the
And extend Oracle and. Condolences to the.
Friends
Condolences to the. Friends and families of the victims
here
Friends and families of the victims here.
These
here. These deliberate attacks which
indiscriminately
These deliberate attacks which indiscriminately.
Targeted
indiscriminately. Targeted civilians
indiscriminately. Targeted civilians.
Were
Targeted civilians. Were really an all out assault on the
fundamental
Were really an all out assault on the fundamental values and
that we as a human interest. Turn organization hold so dear
that we as a human interest. Turn organization hold so dear.
Turning
Turn organization hold so dear. Turning out to the very severe
humanitarian
Turning out to the very severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
Turning out to the very severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
And
humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. And I think of for
humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. And I think of for.
The
And I think of for. The sake of the short term of time that
we
The sake of the short term of time that we have in front of us
The sake of the short term of time that we have in front of us.
It's
we have in front of us. It's been very well described by others
before
It's been very well described by others before me
It's been very well described by others before me.
I
before me. I would suffice to say that even before
We were very concerned about the situation has had seventy international
volunteers
situation has had seventy international volunteers.
And
volunteers. And over four hundred Afghan staff
volunteers. And over four hundred Afghan staff.
Present
And over four hundred Afghan staff. Present in all areas of the country
And over four hundred Afghan staff. Present in all areas of the country.
We
Present in all areas of the country. We were running
malnutrition. Through our intervention we witnessed a
clear
Through our intervention we witnessed a clear deterioration
Through our intervention we witnessed a clear deterioration.
Which is a minister and has described. We witnessed also an increase in
malnutrition. Such as
malnutrition. Such as.
Scurvy
country. Earlier this year of cholera
Rising tensions and the grave uncertainty about the security
situation
uncertainty about the security situation.
Led
situation. Led to the withdrawal of M.S.F. and
other
Led to the withdrawal of M.S.F. and other international humanitarian staff
Led to the withdrawal of M.S.F. and other international humanitarian staff.
This
other international humanitarian staff. This is
And also makes it very difficult to know what is actually going on right
now
know what is actually going on right now inside the country
know what is actually going on right now inside the country.
Today
now inside the country. Today our main goal is to bring our
teams
Today our main goal is to bring our teams back
conflict guarantee safe and unhindered access to the Afghan civilians in need
conflict guarantee safe and unhindered access to the Afghan civilians in need.
Or Afghan staff remains in the country. Very committed and able
Or Afghan staff remains in the country. Very committed and able.
And
Very committed and able. And we were able to monitor the
situation
And we were able to monitor the situation somewhat
And we were able to monitor the situation somewhat.
Through
situation somewhat. Through communication with some of them
situation somewhat. Through communication with some of them.
So
Through communication with some of them. So although the
of the teams are still insufficient these
of medical nutrition assistance to the Afghan
today is regarding you today is our concern regarding the
military actions have on humanitarian actions in
military actions have on humanitarian actions in.
Afghanistan
actions in. Afghanistan.
And
Afghanistan. And why we feel is so
maintain a clear distinction between these two endeavors
maintain a clear distinction between these two endeavors.
The
these two endeavors. The United States has stated clearly
that
The United States has stated clearly that the delivery of aid
The United States has stated clearly that the delivery of aid.
Is
that the delivery of aid. Is an integral
and we've heard a lot about that. This afternoon
and we've heard a lot about that. This afternoon.
President
This afternoon. President Bush's recently announced a
generosity. Of the U.S. government and
where the key objectives of the strategy is to win over
in Afghanistan and elsewhere for the U.S. is a
terrorism by conveying the message that the U.S. strikes at the Taliban
And Osama bin Laden network. But reaches out to the Afghan civilians
And Osama bin Laden network. But reaches out to the Afghan civilians.
That
But reaches out to the Afghan civilians. That clearly there is an enormous need
for
That clearly there is an enormous need for assistance
That clearly there is an enormous need for assistance.
However we do have a number of concerns about the blurring of lines between the
current
about the blurring of lines between the current military and humanitarian
actions
current military and humanitarian actions.
First
actions. First of all electric quick
U.S. military even if they're willing tension
U.S. military even if they're willing tension.
They're
tension. They're really not the most effective
means
They're really not the most effective means of meeting
They're really not the most effective means of meeting.
The
means of meeting. The enormous humanitarian crisis that
they
The enormous humanitarian crisis that they have going
Clear identification of beneficiaries. Careful monitoring
Clear identification of beneficiaries. Careful monitoring.
Of
Careful monitoring. Of the distribution of this instance
and
delivering on targeted an unmonitored relief
delivering on targeted an unmonitored relief.
Is
relief. Is generally ineffective
relief. Is generally ineffective.
And
Is generally ineffective. And can even be
that the military humanitarian edge and and activities should be clearly
Now this is not about semantics or. Abstract
The Geneva Conventions. Defined humanitarian action as neutral
The Geneva Conventions. Defined humanitarian action as neutral.
This means that you mentor and actors should not take sides and should be
free
should not take sides and should be free from
So that they can go after their objectives
So that they can go after their objectives.
Singlemindedly
objectives. Singlemindedly to
solely based on the crowd. You have need
solely based on the crowd. You have need.
Now
You have need. Now if it is not
It can be claimed by one or both sides. As a
Aid and IT workers can then become targets of war
Aid and IT workers can then become targets of war.
When
targets of war. When aid is delivered by military
actors
When aid is delivered by military actors.
It
actors. It becomes increasingly difficult to
convince
It becomes increasingly difficult to convince.
Armed
convince. Armed factions
convince. Armed factions.
On
Armed factions. On the ground
Armed factions. On the ground.
Of
On the ground. Of the
Humanitarian organizations. In these very volatile and
charged environments. Recent attacks on the UN offices in
quite
Recent attacks on the UN offices in quite a Pakistan
Recent attacks on the UN offices in quite a Pakistan.
Are
quite a Pakistan. Are just one reflection of this
And it is not a new one in Somalia. The confusion of roles an agenda
And it is not a new one in Somalia. The confusion of roles an agenda.
Of
The confusion of roles an agenda. Of the
With those of the humanitarian organizations
With those of the humanitarian organizations.
Resulted
organizations. Resulted ultimately neither side being
able
Resulted ultimately neither side being able to reach their objectives
Resulted ultimately neither side being able to reach their objectives.
And
able to reach their objectives. And was dramatic consequences for both
able to reach their objectives. And was dramatic consequences for both.
What
And was dramatic consequences for both. What is really needed now is a large
scale
Humanitarian relief effort aimed directly at reaching those most in need
in
directly at reaching those most in need in Afghanistan
directly at reaching those most in need in Afghanistan.
And
in Afghanistan. And in neighboring countries
in Afghanistan. And in neighboring countries.
Come
And in neighboring countries. Come back to that in a little
And in neighboring countries. Come back to that in a little.
And
Come back to that in a little. And a short while
Come back to that in a little. And a short while.
Find
And a short while. Find the I'll just turn to the
situation
Find the I'll just turn to the situation of Afghan refugees
Find the I'll just turn to the situation of Afghan refugees.
In
situation of Afghan refugees. In recent months
situation of Afghan refugees. In recent months.
In
In recent months. In addition to the
million refugees in neighboring countries
million refugees in neighboring countries.
Hundreds
countries. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have
fled
Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have fled their country in search of
security
fled their country in search of security and assistance abroad
fled their country in search of security and assistance abroad.
We've
security and assistance abroad. We've seen over four hundred thousand
months. And sums
months. And sums.
Two
And sums. Two hundred thousand to Pakistan
And sums. Two hundred thousand to Pakistan.
Over
Two hundred thousand to Pakistan. Over the last year or so or work with a
large
Over the last year or so or work with a large number of these refugees has
shown
large number of these refugees has shown that fear of violence and
country. Many also see just
the drought. Knowing the dire medical and
attritional
Knowing the dire medical and attritional consequences of massive
And again. Administrative
And again. Administrative.
Mr
Administrative. Mr Natsios
to inject food into Afghanistan may be to
these necessary aid efforts. Even if they're successful
these necessary aid efforts. Even if they're successful.
Cannot
The right of the Afghans to seek safe for xylem
The right of the Afghans to seek safe for xylem.
Be
Include extremely concerned with the closing of all international borders
with
closing of all international borders with Afghanistan
closing of all international borders with Afghanistan.
And
with Afghanistan. And the containment of the
that results from a non refusal month which is the right not to be forcibly
returned
which is the right not to be forcibly returned to in secure area must also be
Clearly was not it. Witnessed the
Afghans across international borders. In recent weeks
Afghans across international borders. In recent weeks.
There's
In recent weeks. There's been much
reasons for this. Have Afghans
reasons for this. Have Afghans.
Abandon
Have Afghans. Abandon the most
Have Afghans. Abandon the most.
The
Abandon the most. The more
shelter in the countryside. Have been blocked along the roads
shelter in the countryside. Have been blocked along the roads.
We
Have been blocked along the roads. We don't know for sure but what is
certain
We don't know for sure but what is certain is that
We don't know for sure but what is certain is that.
Orders
certain is that. Orders remain officially closed with
even
Orders remain officially closed with even tighter controls than before
Orders remain officially closed with even tighter controls than before.
Only
even tighter controls than before. Only those who can afford the high
behind. We're also very concerned that
agencies that are led by U.N.H.C.R.. And others and include M.S.F. that
agencies that are led by U.N.H.C.R.. And others and include M.S.F. that.
refugees to arrive in big numbers today. They would not be adequately
in assisted in host countries. For a number of years
Pakistan and Iran have been increasingly reluctant to say
new. comers New sites that have been now
identified
comers New sites that have been now identified.
Refugee
in secure. And inaccessible areas very close to
the
And inaccessible areas very close to the border
And inaccessible areas very close to the border.
In
the border. In these locations the safety of the
refugees
In these locations the safety of the refugees.
And
refugees. And of the aid workers who try to
system
And of the aid workers who try to system.
Is
system. Is very far from assured
system. Is very far from assured.
Moreover
Is very far from assured. Moreover these are desolate areas where
water
Moreover these are desolate areas where water and shade are in very scarce
So to conclude. What is critical for M.S.F. is that
So to conclude. What is critical for M.S.F. is that.
In
What is critical for M.S.F. is that. In the midst of this conflict that has
many
In the midst of this conflict that has many dimensions
In the midst of this conflict that has many dimensions.
The
many dimensions. The fundamental needs of
By maintaining your distinction between military actions on the one hand it
government would contribute to the future involvement of
Humanitarian actors in Afghanistan. The U.S. government should also insist
Humanitarian actors in Afghanistan. The U.S. government should also insist.
On
The U.S. government should also insist. On the
neighboring countries to Afghan refugees
neighboring countries to Afghan refugees.
And
refugees. And a large scale
And we've heard about it as well in some of the
And we've heard about it as well in some of the.
The
some of the. The testimony this morning for the
some of the. The testimony this morning for the.
Earlier
The testimony this morning for the. Earlier today
The testimony this morning for the. Earlier today.
That
Earlier today. That she led by international
non-governmental
That she led by international non-governmental organizations
That she led by international non-governmental organizations.
That
non-governmental organizations. That is needed inside and outside
Afghanistan
That is needed inside and outside Afghanistan.
If
Afghanistan. If this this large scale
In neighboring countries the conditions for of for Refugees current and future
In neighboring countries the conditions for of for Refugees current and future.
Must
for of for Refugees current and future. Must be substantially
Mr Chairman. I'm very grateful for this
from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and
from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and.
Thank
Relations and. Thank you very much
Relations and. Thank you very much.
Mr
Thank you very much. Mr BAKER
Thank you very much. Mr BAKER.
Thank
Mr BAKER. Thank you very much Senator Wellstone I
want
Thank you very much Senator Wellstone I want to
Boxer for holding this. Very timely hearing
Boxer for holding this. Very timely hearing.
It
Very timely hearing. It is timely
Very timely hearing. It is timely.
Because
It is timely. Because it comes at a time when the
U.S.
Because it comes at a time when the U.S. is
to attack. Terrorists and their
Afghanistan. to To feed the Afghan
has said of arms and bread. I want to just make four
In order to leave time for questions. First
In order to leave time for questions. First.
As
First. As has been
Documented here. Afghanistan has been a huge
humanitarian
Afghanistan has been a huge humanitarian crisis for years
The World Food Program of the United Nations
The World Food Program of the United Nations.
Was
And now of course it says that the needs are five hundred thousand Mehta
fifty
needs are five hundred thousand Mehta fifty thousand metric tons a month to
beat
fifty thousand metric tons a month to beat a
The U.S. has allocated to be hundred twenty million dollars
The U.S. has allocated to be hundred twenty million dollars.
To
twenty million dollars. To meet the humanitarian needs in
Afghanistan
To meet the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in
neighboring
Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in neighboring countries
Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in neighboring countries.
It's
money. It
money. It does not rob Peter to
we're not taking money from humanitarian aid for Africa
we're not taking money from humanitarian aid for Africa.
Or
humanitarian aid for Africa. Or the Balkans this is new money
humanitarian aid for Africa. Or the Balkans this is new money.
And
Or the Balkans this is new money. And therefore it is
Or the Balkans this is new money. And therefore it is.
It's
And therefore it is. It's a very
The U.S. has acted quickly and generously
The U.S. has acted quickly and generously.
To
generously. To meet growing humanitarian needs in
Afghanistan
To meet growing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan.
And
Afghanistan. And they should be
the attack. While the air
They are better than nothing. To be successful in meeting
humanitarian
To be successful in meeting humanitarian needs the U.S. must work
with
humanitarian needs the U.S. must work with the United Nations and neighboring
countries
with the United Nations and neighboring countries.
To
countries. To resume significant
countries. To resume significant.
Food
To resume significant. Food direct deliveries to Afghanistan
overland
Food direct deliveries to Afghanistan overland Refugees International
Food direct deliveries to Afghanistan overland Refugees International.
Recommends
overland Refugees International. Recommends a strategy of flooding the
country
Recommends a strategy of flooding the country with food
Recommends a strategy of flooding the country with food.
By
country with food. By the most efficient and effective
means
By the most efficient and effective means available
By the most efficient and effective means available.
Cross
means available. Cross border
By truck from Pakistan Iran. And the former Soviet
north. Offer the best
to areas with concentrations of all this effort
to areas with concentrations of all this effort.
Needs
this effort. Needs to begin at once as winter
weather
I was very glad to hear the news today that the World Food Program has started
deliveries
that the World Food Program has started deliveries from four neighboring
countries
deliveries from four neighboring countries and the question will be
whether
countries and the question will be whether that will be sustained or not
that
whether that will be sustained or not that that is the question and only time
will
that that is the question and only time will tell
that that is the question and only time will tell.
But
will tell. But I think it does show that
will tell. But I think it does show that.
After
To restart deliveries. And this is a good sign indeed
To restart deliveries. And this is a good sign indeed.
But
And this is a good sign indeed. But I might also
enough. We have to do more than just meet the
immediate
We have to do more than just meet the immediate needs we have to
And as. Andrew Natsios
Because they have no other food. So it's very
Over the next month and there's really. This is urgent
Over the next month and there's really. This is urgent.
Because
This is urgent. Because there's
five weeks left in time to deliver seeds for
That have been tested to grow. In this climate
That have been tested to grow. In this climate.
My
In this climate. My third
Well the current U.S. commitment is a good start
Well the current U.S. commitment is a good start.
It's
good start. It's not enough
good start. It's not enough.
Given
It's not enough. Given the mag
It's not enough. Given the mag.
Of
Given the mag. Of the needs
Given the mag. Of the needs.
In
Of the needs. In Afghanistan and the likelihood the
reconstruction
In Afghanistan and the likelihood the reconstruction assistance will be badly
needed
reconstruction assistance will be badly needed in the aftermath of the military
hundred twenty million dollars. As a down
We clearly need something. Of the magnitude of the Biden
But it might even be too small. Force
But it might even be too small. Force.
This
Force. This is something that Congress
Force. This is something that Congress.
I
This is something that Congress. I think should
this crisis in future crises. The crisis in Afghanistan is extremely
Pieces. A
Pieces. A lesson that clearly emerges from
similar
A lesson that clearly emerges from similar crises over the
Designating a cabinet level. Officer
Designating a cabinet level. Officer.
issues. In other words the humanitarian
coordinator
In other words the humanitarian coordinator.
In
coordinator. In recent weeks the
announced today. Ordinator
announced today. Ordinator.
For
Ordinator. For homeland defense and ordinator for
counterterrorism
should have an equal stature. At the table
should have an equal stature. At the table.
When
At the table. When the decisions are made
At the table. When the decisions are made.
Let
When the decisions are made. Let me conclude with this
When the decisions are made. Let me conclude with this.
Very
Let me conclude with this. Very brief summary
Let me conclude with this. Very brief summary.
Refugees
Very brief summary. Refugees or sign of instability
Very brief summary. Refugees or sign of instability.
Frequently
Refugees or sign of instability. Frequently refugees flee a country
where
Frequently refugees flee a country where the government does not work
Frequently refugees flee a country where the government does not work.
Or
where the government does not work. Or fails to
The immediate challenges. Is to meet the humanitarian needs of
millions
Is to meet the humanitarian needs of millions of Afghans both those in the
country
millions of Afghans both those in the country.
And
country. And those who've already fled
country. And those who've already fled.
After
And those who've already fled. After the current crisis the U.S. and
its
After the current crisis the U.S. and its allies will face a longer term task
of
Thank you very much. Thank you Senator Wellstone It's my
family. Feminist Majority
family. Feminist Majority.
We
Feminist Majority. We already heard
Feminist Majority. We already heard.
The
We're looking at everything coming together
We're looking at everything coming together.
Drought
together. Drought famine
together. Drought famine.
Rights
Drought famine. Rights Terrorism
Drought famine. Rights Terrorism.
.
All
. All this coming down
. All this coming down.
And
Just have absolutely no rights whatsoever
Just have absolutely no rights whatsoever.
And
whatsoever. And all this was brought to my
attention
And all this was brought to my attention so long ago
And all this was brought to my attention so long ago.
By
attention so long ago. By.
My
By. My only Smeal and the grassroots
By. My only Smeal and the grassroots.
Women
My only Smeal and the grassroots. Women in California
My only Smeal and the grassroots. Women in California.
Were
Women in California. Were with her so it's certainly an
honor
Were with her so it's certainly an honor for me to introduce her and
Senator
honor for me to introduce her and Senator Wellstone
honor for me to introduce her and Senator Wellstone.
Thank
Senator Wellstone. Thank you for that
Senator Wellstone. Thank you for that.
Thank
Thank you for that. Thank you Senator Boxer
Thank you for that. Thank you Senator Boxer.
And
Thank you Senator Boxer. And thank you for being with us for so
many
And thank you for being with us for so many years
And I also think you're able staff Sean Morris been right there too as you know
And I also think you're able staff Sean Morris been right there too as you know.
Our
has been working. Not only at the national level at the
has been working. Not only at the national level at the.
But
Not only at the national level at the. But at the grassroots level
Not only at the national level at the. But at the grassroots level.
Very
But at the grassroots level. Very strong California but we're now in
all
Very strong California but we're now in all forty nine and forty nine of the
fifty
all forty nine and forty nine of the fifty states
all forty nine and forty nine of the fifty states.
Also
fifty states. Also like to thank Senator Wellstone
fifty states. Also like to thank Senator Wellstone.
For
Also like to thank Senator Wellstone. For your efforts here we have been
involved
For your efforts here we have been involved in this
In Afghanistan since one thousand nine hundred seven
In Afghanistan since one thousand nine hundred seven.
We
hundred seven. We got involved because of the horrific
treatment
We got involved because of the horrific treatment of women
We got involved because of the horrific treatment of women.
But
treatment of women. But when we got involved
treatment of women. But when we got involved.
We
But when we got involved. We also learned about the terrible
humanitarian
We also learned about the terrible humanitarian crisis
We also learned about the terrible humanitarian crisis.
So
humanitarian crisis. So what we immediately tried to get
more
So what we immediately tried to get more humanitarian aid to say
So what we immediately tried to get more humanitarian aid to say.
Lives
more humanitarian aid to say. Lives.
In
Lives. In addition
Lives. In addition.
We
In addition. We looked at the situation and realized
that
We looked at the situation and realized that there must be
We looked at the situation and realized that there must be.
Not
that there must be. Not only non recognition of the Taliban
by
Not only non recognition of the Taliban by the United States and the United
Nations
by the United States and the United Nations.
But
Nations. But also that there had to be more
in the U.A.E.. To withdraw their
Taleban. And as we all know
Taleban. And as we all know.
The
And as we all know. The United States came out against
recognition
The United States came out against recognition and
The United States came out against recognition and.
Senator
recognition and. Senator Boxer who
in that. And we also came out against the
construction
And we also came out against the construction of a major oil
there and. Unocal withdrew
there and. Unocal withdrew.
Also
Unocal withdrew. Also again
Unocal withdrew. Also again.
The
Also again. The California woman
role in that. We would like to
out early. To have the Taliban designated as a
terrorist
To have the Taliban designated as a terrorist organization and
To have the Taliban designated as a terrorist organization and.
I
terrorist organization and. I have more on to note that to this
date
I have more on to note that to this date.
They
date. They are still not designated as a
terrorist
They are still not designated as a terrorist organization
They are still not designated as a terrorist organization.
And
terrorist organization. And we think that should still
Right now. Our grassroots effort has the
endorsement
Our grassroots effort has the endorsement of over two hundred women's
rights
endorsement of over two hundred women's rights and human rights organizations
that
rights and human rights organizations that are
And Mavis Leno. Is our chair
And Mavis Leno. Is our chair.
Our
Is our chair. Our national chair
Is our chair. Our national chair.
Hundreds
Our national chair. Hundreds of thousands of
have written letters. And signed
to the Clinton administration. And to the Bush administration
to the Clinton administration. And to the Bush administration.
Urging
For the Afghan women. And for me ads here in aid
For the Afghan women. And for me ads here in aid.
I
stress. The huge
difference between the Taliban and the humanitarian situation in the Afghan
there and. There's this constituency
there and. There's this constituency.
Is
Even more. Now and wake of the tragic events of
They're trying to encourage there be more aid
They're trying to encourage there be more aid.
And
more aid. And indeed some eight hundred different
Are trying to themselves to raise money to
In the refugee areas. To do clinics in schools
In the refugee areas. To do clinics in schools.
I've
To do clinics in schools. I've heard of it's today there's been
so
I've heard of it's today there's been so many different numbers
I've heard of it's today there's been so many different numbers.
Of
so many different numbers. Of the millions of
that. Prior to
Millions had fled. And hundreds of thousands in this year
alone
And hundreds of thousands in this year alone.
The
alone. The numbers are so big they're
staggering
The numbers are so big they're staggering.
The
staggering. The refugee
Single biggest in the world. And so I just want us to try to get our
arms
And so I just want us to try to get our arms around the numbers
And so I just want us to try to get our arms around the numbers.
Even
arms around the numbers. Even though they might differ some
arms around the numbers. Even though they might differ some.
Because
Even though they might differ some. Because the need is so great
Even though they might differ some. Because the need is so great.
Our
Because the need is so great. Our staff has visited the refugee areas
and
Our staff has visited the refugee areas and.
Their
and. Their horrific there
and. Their horrific there.
Their
Their horrific there. Their little food families have only a
For shelter. And there's virtually no sanitation
For shelter. And there's virtually no sanitation.
This
And there's virtually no sanitation. This is been going on
And there's virtually no sanitation. This is been going on.
This
This is been going on. This is a near Holocaust situation
This is been going on. This is a near Holocaust situation.
And
This is a near Holocaust situation. And as far as health care
This is a near Holocaust situation. And as far as health care.
Police
And as far as health care. Police.
It
Police. It is so minimal that
Police. It is so minimal that.
One
It is so minimal that. One woman
It is so minimal that. One woman.
Every
One woman. Every thirty minutes somebody else
calculate
Every thirty minutes somebody else calculate is dying from childbirth
Every thirty minutes somebody else calculate is dying from childbirth.
And
calculate is dying from childbirth. And one in four women and one in four
children
And one in four women and one in four children are dying before the age of
five
children are dying before the age of five.
And
five. And the infant mortality rate
five. And the infant mortality rate.
Is
And the infant mortality rate. Is soaring
And the infant mortality rate. Is soaring.
This
Is soaring. This is staggering
Is soaring. This is staggering.
And
This is staggering. And that's why we must think
This is staggering. And that's why we must think.
Big
And that's why we must think. Big.
Yes
Big. Yes America has united states has the
lead
Yes America has united states has the lead in humanitarian aid
Yes America has united states has the lead in humanitarian aid.
But
lead in humanitarian aid. But I must stress
lead in humanitarian aid. But I must stress.
It's
But I must stress. It's been too little and and
But I must stress. It's been too little and and.
We
It's been too little and and. We believe that the United Nations the
The reason they've been so modest. Is because and till
All we could hear about. Is donor
All we could hear about. Is donor.
Nation
Is donor. Nation.
Exhaustion
Nation. Exhaustion.
Because
Exhaustion. Because this war had been going on so
little
Because this war had been going on so little.
I
little. I mean so long
little. I mean so long.
Consequently
I mean so long. Consequently.
It's
Consequently. It's been the view that
Which is for five hundred eighty four million and I'm so thrilled that we now
have
million and I'm so thrilled that we now have seven hundred thirty million that
why. First the United Nations
why. First the United Nations.
Only
First the United Nations. Only counts as refugees
First the United Nations. Only counts as refugees.
Those
Only counts as refugees. Those who live in the refugee
millions to not simulcast Please go on a little longer
millions to not simulcast Please go on a little longer.
Thank
a little longer. Thank you
a little longer. Thank you.
Also
Thank you. Also the
it for health care. And one
education. Were heartened by Bush's
we agree with Senator Biden. That we should be thinking in terms of
billions
That we should be thinking in terms of billions of dollars
That we should be thinking in terms of billions of dollars.
And
billions of dollars. And we must be thinking in terms of
really
And we must be thinking in terms of really reconstructing this country
And we must be thinking in terms of really reconstructing this country.
And
really reconstructing this country. And at the center of it must be woman
really reconstructing this country. And at the center of it must be woman.
We
And at the center of it must be woman. We are
And at the center of it must be woman. We are.
We
We are. We were the majority of the world
We are. We were the majority of the world.
The
We were the majority of the world. The health care workers
We were the majority of the world. The health care workers.
We
The health care workers. We are seventy
We must be at the center of. Center of it
We must be at the center of. Center of it.
And
Center of it. And right now we are urging that funds
be
And right now we are urging that funds be set aside and go directly to women
lead
be set aside and go directly to women lead Afghan women lead
be set aside and go directly to women lead Afghan women lead.
N.G.O.s
lead Afghan women lead. N.G.O.s.
Right
N.G.O.s. Right now we give money to the big
international
Right now we give money to the big international ones
Right now we give money to the big international ones.
But
international ones. But as these little
international ones. But as these little.
N.G.O.s
But as these little. N.G.O.s in their own little because no
one
N.G.O.s in their own little because no one has made a have the case believe
have
one has made a have the case believe have they to tell it
one has made a have the case believe have they to tell it.
They
have they to tell it. They are going to be
reconstruction effort. So we must
They're there. They can do more they're running the
clinics
They can do more they're running the clinics and schools
They can do more they're running the clinics and schools.
And
clinics and schools. And we
Directly in the reconstruction. I hear so much about what's going to
constitutional democracy. They had one
constitutional democracy. They had one.
They
They had one. They had one thousand nine hundred
sixty
They had one thousand nine hundred sixty four by the way it has an Equal
Rights
sixty four by the way it has an Equal Rights Amendment
sixty four by the way it has an Equal Rights Amendment.
For
Rights Amendment. For women in there
Rights Amendment. For women in there.
It
For women in there. It had universal suffrage
For women in there. It had universal suffrage.
Women
It had universal suffrage. Women were in the
And so we don't have to start from scratch
And so we don't have to start from scratch.
You
scratch. You can build and build on a very
Indigenous Afghan woman. We have had the
with many Afghan women there and. Yes it is true there's a large
illiterate
But it is also true. There are many educated women
But it is also true. There are many educated women.
They've
There are many educated women. They've been doctors they've been
engineers
They've been doctors they've been engineers.
Lawyers
engineers. Lawyers.
These
Lawyers. These are
And must be at the decision making table
And must be at the decision making table.
And
table. And so we're
table. And so we're.
terms of what we did. After World War two that we reconstruct
terms of what we did. After World War two that we reconstruct.
That
After World War two that we reconstruct. That we certainly
democracy that we make sure that women are at the table
democracy that we make sure that women are at the table.
And
are at the table. And that in fact their rights are fully
restored
And that in fact their rights are fully restored.
And
restored. And that indeed
restored. And that indeed.
That
And that indeed. That it's not treated as a side issue
And that indeed. That it's not treated as a side issue.
I
That it's not treated as a side issue. I believe in this issue
That it's not treated as a side issue. I believe in this issue.
In
I believe in this issue. In many ways
I believe in this issue. In many ways.
Women
In many ways. Women were the canaries in the mine
In many ways. Women were the canaries in the mine.
If
Women were the canaries in the mine. If we had seen
Women were the canaries in the mine. If we had seen.
If
If we had seen. If if the world had
maybe. Maybe more could be inferred
maybe. Maybe more could be inferred.
But
Maybe more could be inferred. But this time
Maybe more could be inferred. But this time.
They
But this time. They cannot be
But this time. They cannot be.
Doored
They cannot be. Doored.
They
Doored. They must be and treated as a major
Thank you very much. Thank you so much
Thank you very much. Thank you so much.
I'm
Thank you so much. I'm going to do
Thank you so much. I'm going to do.
What
I'm going to do. What I'm going to do is just lay out
some
What I'm going to do is just lay out some of my concerns
What I'm going to do is just lay out some of my concerns.
All
some of my concerns. All at once and then
some of my concerns. All at once and then.
Kind
All at once and then. Kind of have you
most efficient use of. Of time
most efficient use of. Of time.
There
Of time. There are
Of time. There are.
There
There are. There the
And this mill talked about this there's the whole issue of the conditions right
now
the whole issue of the conditions right now and
the whole issue of the conditions right now and.
In
now and. In the refugee
Also I have quit. I have concerns about the security
Also I have quit. I have concerns about the security.
Right
I have concerns about the security. Right now these
talk about that with each of one of you then there are the
behind. Many of whom by definition are elderly
behind. Many of whom by definition are elderly.
More
Many of whom by definition are elderly. More of all
Many of whom by definition are elderly. More of all.
Of
More of all. Of infirm and more and more vulnerable
More of all. Of infirm and more and more vulnerable.
Left
Of infirm and more and more vulnerable. Left behind the meals of locusts an
animal
Left behind the meals of locusts an animal fodder by
Here are some of the questions I have. Number one
Here are some of the questions I have. Number one.
It
Number one. It seems to me that that the convoys in
and
It seems to me that that the convoys in and Kenya were talking about this that
if
and Kenya were talking about this that if the U.N. W P The convoys
and Kenya were talking about this that if the U.N. W P The convoys.
I
if the U.N. W P The convoys. I.
mean
I. mean The air
Not all that efficient and. In the earlier testimony was we can't
rely
In the earlier testimony was we can't rely on that anyway I mean I think what
there
rely on that anyway I mean I think what there is agreements
rely on that anyway I mean I think what there is agreements.
You've
there is agreements. You've got to get this in by the
convoys
You've got to get this in by the convoys you've got to get food in this
way
convoys you've got to get food in this way.
So
way. So one question I have is
way. So one question I have is.
I
So one question I have is. I would think that that's going to be a
us. To
us. To somehow do what we need to do to
make
To somehow do what we need to do to make sure those convoys can can can
continue
make sure those convoys can can can continue to be coming in with food
make sure those convoys can can can continue to be coming in with food.
That
continue to be coming in with food. That that's a question I have for you
whether
That that's a question I have for you whether you would agree
That that's a question I have for you whether you would agree.
There
whether you would agree. There is a question of
whether you would agree. There is a question of.
There
There is a question of. There been some
As long as we're talking about. N.G.O.s and United Nations there have
been
N.G.O.s and United Nations there have been some
Of the U.N. and NGO offices being burned in Pakistan by anti-American
Of the U.N. and NGO offices being burned in Pakistan by anti-American.
Protesters
burned in Pakistan by anti-American. Protesters So I want to ask you want
you
Protesters So I want to ask you want you to
workers including women who who are associated with these international and
local
associated with these international and local organizations and in Pakistan
associated with these international and local organizations and in Pakistan.
And
local organizations and in Pakistan. And then finally
local organizations and in Pakistan. And then finally.
I
And then finally. I guess
And then finally. I guess.
Mr
I guess. Mr Trius
I guess. Mr Trius.
Those
Mr Trius. Those of the first order of questions
Mr Trius. Those of the first order of questions.
At
Those of the first order of questions. At some
your. Fact if you've been in your
organization's
Fact if you've been in your organization's been Afghanistan a long
time
organization's been Afghanistan a long time and
organization's been Afghanistan a long time and.
And
time and. And the Taliban are widely
all the right reasons. I also understand that there are a
significant
I also understand that there are a significant number of Afghans are a
long
significant number of Afghans are a long door
Alliance. Might return to
Given their record of serious abuses including
And massacres them. Into screen the bombing and
And massacres them. Into screen the bombing and.
That
Into screen the bombing and. That were committed while they were in
I want to ask you whether or not you knew that that sentiment
I want to ask you whether or not you knew that that sentiment.
To
knew that that sentiment. To what extent that sentiment is
starting with Mr Bacon and sure. On convoys
starting with Mr Bacon and sure. On convoys.
You're
On convoys. You're absolutely right they have to
continue
You're absolutely right they have to continue.
And
continue. And redoubts Yost told
continue. And redoubts Yost told.
Of
And redoubts Yost told. Of a bunch of N.G.O.s yesterday that
the
Of a bunch of N.G.O.s yesterday that the US is totally committed to making
sure
the US is totally committed to making sure the convoys So flow as freely as
Not just to Pakistan or to Iran but also through a tremendous stand stand
as
also through a tremendous stand stand as you stand
also through a tremendous stand stand as you stand.
There
as you stand. There are efforts underway to
Bridge from Becca stand in to Afghanistan and that would be
Convoys are obviously subject to subject to attack
Convoys are obviously subject to subject to attack.
And
subject to attack. And one of the issues that our
government
And one of the issues that our government and
And one of the issues that our government and.
The
government and. The U.N. is looking at is how to secure
the
The U.N. is looking at is how to secure the convoys I don't think anybody has
good
the convoys I don't think anybody has good answers right now
the convoys I don't think anybody has good answers right now.
There's
good answers right now. There's another question
good answers right now. There's another question.
What
There's another question. What you get the food into Afghanistan
how
What you get the food into Afghanistan how do you make sure that it is not
taken
how do you make sure that it is not taken by the wrong
military or the Taliban forces. One way to do that would be so-called
wet
One way to do that would be so-called wet feeding that is a sort of hot
One way to do that would be so-called wet feeding that is a sort of hot.
don't like to stand in line to get handout
don't like to stand in line to get handout.
Dinners
handout. Dinners.
Among
Dinners. Among in refugee
But these are details that have to be worked out to make sure the
But these are details that have to be worked out to make sure the.
The
worked out to make sure the. The food gets into a guest of the right
humanitarian workers and. That's something that the U.N. has
never
That's something that the U.N. has never been
It's something that it's. The U.N. and N.G.O.s are
attention to. But ultimately we have to rely as much
as
Pakistan and Iran. To
the humanitarian workers. The
than Iran. Finally there is an urgent
demands attention. And that is
demands attention. And that is.
Well
And that is. Well Pakistan
And that is. Well Pakistan.
Is
right now. There were signs that they are
generally very hostile area and. The
both for refugees and. For humanitarian workers so it's
other nations work very hard to try to get Pakistan to relocate whatever new
difficult issue. But it's one that could be crucially
OK on the convoys. One thing I want to
most of the Afghan. Humanitarian
most of the Afghan. Humanitarian.
Care
Humanitarian. Care workers have all left Afghanistan
Humanitarian. Care workers have all left Afghanistan.
So
Care workers have all left Afghanistan. So the again
Care workers have all left Afghanistan. So the again.
It's
So the again. It's one of the reasons I think we must
invest
It's one of the reasons I think we must invest in an Afghan workers
It's one of the reasons I think we must invest in an Afghan workers.
Because
invest in an Afghan workers. Because they're the only ones that are
there
Because they're the only ones that are there and even they are discombobulated
under
there and even they are discombobulated under the
there and even they are discombobulated under the.
These
under the. These conditions
under the. These conditions.
Obviously
These conditions. Obviously we have to
but. In
but. In fact we have a
can do that but. One of the things I don't want to
outside of Pakistan. Of Afghanistan do not have enough food
outside of Pakistan. Of Afghanistan do not have enough food.
And
Of Afghanistan do not have enough food. And so that also is as serious a
And by the way in the reason so many of the refugees are not in the
Is because they don't think they're secure
Is because they don't think they're secure.
Some
secure. Some of the
The Taliban have been holding sway over. And so many of the ethnic
is sorrows. And the Tajiks are afraid to go into
the
And not only that so are women. Because they have been harassing and
doing
Because they have been harassing and doing things to women and some of these
areas
doing things to women and some of these areas.
So
areas. So basically you have a lot of
with us with our government and the United Nations to
very dangerous for them. Because there hasn't been security
very dangerous for them. Because there hasn't been security.
And
Because there hasn't been security. And quite a long time and
Because there hasn't been security. And quite a long time and.
I
And quite a long time and. I want to just read
And quite a long time and. I want to just read.
Because
I want to just read. Because they
I want to just read. Because they.
They're
Because they. They're so much been done about this
I want to read. What we're
I want to read. What we're.
We
What we're. We are giving
What we're. We are giving.
We're
We are giving. We're giving wheat
We are giving. We're giving wheat.
And
We're giving wheat. And this is now from their World Food
Program
And this is now from their World Food Program which
And this is now from their World Food Program which.
I
Program which. I totally
done one magnificent. Job is
done one magnificent. Job is.
But
Job is. But this is what we give it's we
Job is. But this is what we give it's we.
Vegetable
But this is what we give it's we. Vegetable oil
But this is what we give it's we. Vegetable oil.
Paul
Vegetable oil. Paul sais which is land
Vegetable oil. Paul sais which is land.
Though
Paul sais which is land. Though so I soon dry
Paul sais which is land. Though so I soon dry.
Sold
Though so I soon dry. Sold.
Wheat
Sold. Wheat soy bland sugar and high energy
biscuits
Wheat soy bland sugar and high energy biscuits.
So
biscuits. So what does that really boil down to
biscuits. So what does that really boil down to.
It's
And the water. Isn't clean
And the water. Isn't clean.
I
Isn't clean. I don't want us to feel so generous
Isn't clean. I don't want us to feel so generous.
And
I don't want us to feel so generous. And so good here
I don't want us to feel so generous. And so good here.
When
And so good here. When I realize what these folks are
surviving
When I realize what these folks are surviving on no wonder that
When I realize what these folks are surviving on no wonder that.
The
surviving on no wonder that. The infant mortality rates
surviving on no wonder that. The infant mortality rates.
No
The infant mortality rates. No wonder children aren't survive
The infant mortality rates. No wonder children aren't survive.
What
No wonder children aren't survive. What we
Could we get a little ingenious and get some more food in this
Could we get a little ingenious and get some more food in this.
Cancer
some more food in this. Cancer I don't understand how many of
these
But this is literally from the food health
And it is really scary. And there is no sanitation remember in
these
And there is no sanitation remember in these areas and so no wonder you know
there's
these areas and so no wonder you know there's an arrest in Pakistan that's
where
there's an arrest in Pakistan that's where the bulk of the
wonders are at rest because there is not been enough aid
wonders are at rest because there is not been enough aid.
So
not been enough aid. So we got to do far better and we got a
much
So we got to do far better and we got a much bigger
I think the issue of the convoys is already has already been answered
clearly
already has already been answered clearly going through the established
aid
ground that have done the assessments that have targeted the
Is that is the way to go and. That's what we think should
There is a big a big effort of. Of assistance going through these
There is a big a big effort of. Of assistance going through these.
He's
Of assistance going through these. He's already established
Of assistance going through these. He's already established.
can target. The beneficiaries in a good way
can target. The beneficiaries in a good way.
On
The beneficiaries in a good way. On security of N.G.O.s
The beneficiaries in a good way. On security of N.G.O.s.
I
On security of N.G.O.s. I think really there are different
Hire armed guards. Or the like
Hire armed guards. Or the like.
The
Or the like. The other the other is to say that
Or the like. The other the other is to say that.
Security
The other the other is to say that. Security relies on the consent of the
The other the other is to say that. Security relies on the consent of the.
The
Of the years in which you. Try to
And actually that is the one that is the concern is the
is the one that organizations like ourselves who are unarmed
is the one that organizations like ourselves who are unarmed.
And
ourselves who are unarmed. And in the Northern Alliance areas the
ourselves who are unarmed. And in the Northern Alliance areas the.
There
And in the Northern Alliance areas the. There are very few
And in the Northern Alliance areas the. There are very few.
Health
There are very few. Health Centers clinics etc There are
very
Health Centers clinics etc There are very few
Health Centers clinics etc There are very few.
Afghan
very few. Afghan medical staff
very few. Afghan medical staff.
And
Afghan medical staff. And it's really only through
international
And it's really only through international organisations such as
ourselves
international organisations such as ourselves that
international organisations such as ourselves that.
These
ourselves that. These structures these very few
remaining
These structures these very few remaining.
Can
remaining. Can be maintained
remaining. Can be maintained.
So
Can be maintained. So this is just to say that we were not
Can be maintained. So this is just to say that we were not.
We
So this is just to say that we were not. We should not see it in terms of to
Different areas of the country there are similarities between
Different areas of the country there are similarities between.
them
are similarities between. them Although I do
are similarities between. them Although I do.
I
them Although I do. I do stress that the situation in
Taliban
I do stress that the situation in Taliban areas
I do stress that the situation in Taliban areas.
And
Taliban areas. And the number of counts is
significantly
And the number of counts is significantly worse
And the number of counts is significantly worse.
As
significantly worse. As I said
significantly worse. As I said.
Thank
As I said. Thank you
As I said. Thank you.
Yes
Thank you. Yes.
Mr
Yes. Mr Wrenn
Yes. Mr Wrenn.
I
Mr Wrenn. I thank you for having the
you When talk about. Even where the women
you When talk about. Even where the women.
Can
Even where the women. Can go to school and teach
Even where the women. Can go to school and teach.
It's
Can go to school and teach. It's still
With the Northern Alliance. When she says that the women should be
the
When she says that the women should be the central
to. Being
to. Being that voice because that's the
voice
Being that voice because that's the voice of reason
Being that voice because that's the voice of reason.
That's
voice of reason. That's the voice of moderation
voice of reason. That's the voice of moderation.
The
That's the voice of moderation. The women's voices and
That's the voice of moderation. The women's voices and.
So
The women's voices and. So that's something we really must
the minds of thank you for talking about what it is like for a woman to
live
about what it is like for a woman to live.
Even
live. Even with the Northern Alliance which
is
We've got. Human rights violations
We've got. Human rights violations.
All
Human rights violations. All over the
women so. I think this is this male do you want
to
I think this is this male do you want to add to that
I think this is this male do you want to add to that.
Yes
to add to that. Yes.
Remember
Yes. Remember the Northern Alliance
Yes. Remember the Northern Alliance.
And
Remember the Northern Alliance. And the Taliban
Remember the Northern Alliance. And the Taliban.
Come
And the Taliban. Come from the illusion which were
extremists
Come from the illusion which were extremists.
And
extremists. And.
Religious
And. Religious extremists but also
And. Religious extremists but also.
Were
Religious extremists but also. Were involved in drug trafficking
Religious extremists but also. Were involved in drug trafficking.
Trafficking
Were involved in drug trafficking. Trafficking and
Were involved in drug trafficking. Trafficking and.
And
Trafficking and. And basically we really should
one set of extremists. With another all
one set of extremists. With another all.
No
With another all. No question or alliances better
With another all. No question or alliances better.
It
No question or alliances better. It is a matter of degree here
No question or alliances better. It is a matter of degree here.
And
It is a matter of degree here. And that's why so much the
constitutional
And that's why so much the constitutional democracy
And that's why so much the constitutional democracy.
And
constitutional democracy. And that we return to a civil society
where
And that we return to a civil society where we reach out to not just military
commanders
where we reach out to not just military commanders who were came out of this
whole
commanders who were came out of this whole defeating this
commanders who were came out of this whole defeating this.
But
whole defeating this. But to
Afghan society. Prior to all this now
Afghan society. Prior to all this now.
One
Prior to all this now. One other major thing
Prior to all this now. One other major thing.
And
One other major thing. And it's hard to
That because of all this war. Did majority of
That because of all this war. Did majority of.
Of
Did majority of. Of the adults are women
Did majority of. Of the adults are women.
Some
So it is because they're even the Taliban is
olds and. Their army of boys So essentially
there's
Their army of boys So essentially there's no way to rebuild without us
Their army of boys So essentially there's no way to rebuild without us.
And
there's no way to rebuild without us. And we have to be at the center I
really
And we have to be at the center I really am grateful for your statement
that
really am grateful for your statement that you will make this a center focus
because
that you will make this a center focus because we need it because we
And somehow. I think
two choices or we've got to go to one of these military commanders and others
that
of these military commanders and others that are mentioned to have human rights
violations
that are mentioned to have human rights violations in their background just
have
violations in their background just have to see beneath the veil
violations in their background just have to see beneath the veil.
To
have to see beneath the veil. To get the sense of what it's like
there
To get the sense of what it's like there.
You
there. You know
there. You know.
I
by the U.S. leader here. A
their homes. From what you know about
their homes. From what you know about.
What
From what you know about. What is
So well. I think that's a good message for
So well. I think that's a good message for.
Let's
I think that's a good message for. Let's have an
those folks today. Right
those folks today. Right.
And
Right. And they're afraid they're running out
of
And. Would you tell them to stay in their
homes
Would you tell them to stay in their homes.
Well
homes. Well you know this is not inconsistent
with
Well you know this is not inconsistent with what the State
saying now. For the five years I've been involved
in
For the five years I've been involved in fact it was a
more effort into having. Refugees go back
more effort into having. Refugees go back.
Then
Even though it was clear it was on safe. Where they were going back to
Even though it was clear it was on safe. Where they were going back to.
I
Where they were going back to. I think in some ways
Where they were going back to. I think in some ways.
It
I think in some ways. It is a message that is even too late
I think in some ways. It is a message that is even too late.
We
It is a message that is even too late. We are looking at the numbers while he
was
We are looking at the numbers while he was talking
We are looking at the numbers while he was talking.
Of
was talking. Of the number of
are internally stranded. We asked what that new definition meant
are internally stranded. We asked what that new definition meant.
And
We asked what that new definition meant. And that is a new definition of the
U.N.
And that is a new definition of the U.N..
Which
U.N.. Which means that they're no longer in
their
Which means that they're no longer in their homes
Which means that they're no longer in their homes.
But
their homes. But they're in their village or city
areas
But they're in their village or city areas.
OK
areas. OK They've already moved
areas. OK They've already moved.
But
OK They've already moved. But they're not really
OK They've already moved. But they're not really.
So
But they're not really. So that's internally stranded
But they're not really. So that's internally stranded.
Another
So that's internally stranded. Another one
Afghanistan. And now they're called internally
That means they've left their village or city and they and they're looking
for
or city and they and they're looking for food and shelter elsewhere
or city and they and they're looking for food and shelter elsewhere.
So
for food and shelter elsewhere. So that's about five
According to the U.N. on the move within the country already
According to the U.N. on the move within the country already.
And
within the country already. And then you are I one through the
numbers
And then you are I one through the numbers that are already in the refugee
areas
numbers that are already in the refugee areas in Afghanistan and in Pakistan
three
and and. Two million in the refugee
to have millions in the cities and towns
to have millions in the cities and towns.
Know
towns. Know their million a half in Iran
hundreds
Know their million a half in Iran hundreds of thousands and
Know their million a half in Iran hundreds of thousands and.
There's
hundreds of thousands and. There's a lot of
here. And
here. And they you know it's sort of like the
here. And they you know it's sort of like the.
You
And they you know it's sort of like the. You know trying to close the door after
what
You know trying to close the door after what is it the horses in the barn door
after
what is it the horses in the barn door after the horses left
what is it the horses in the barn door after the horses left.
The
after the horses left. The other thing that we
Not mentioning. But I think
Not mentioning. But I think.
I
But I think. I don't know if my even my staff will
agree
I don't know if my even my staff will agree.
But
agree. But you know we have a limited ferry
few
But you know we have a limited ferry few refugees into the United States
But you know we have a limited ferry few refugees into the United States.
Or
few refugees into the United States. Or into other countries in one thousand
nine
Or into other countries in one thousand nine hundred ninety six one thousand
nine
nine hundred ninety six one thousand nine hundred ninety seven the United
States
Afghanistan. In one nine hundred eighty eight it was
Afghanistan. In one nine hundred eighty eight it was.
I
In one nine hundred eighty eight it was. I think eighty eight one thousand nine
hundred
I think eighty eight one thousand nine hundred ninety nine it was three
hundred
hundred ninety nine it was three hundred some last year
hundred ninety nine it was three hundred some last year.
It
hundred some last year. It was
hundred some last year. It was.
I
It was. I think it was
It was. I think it was.
And
I think it was. And I was doing this from the
head hunter we can get you the numbers. Why did we close the doors and it
wasn't
Why did we close the doors and it wasn't just us
Why did we close the doors and it wasn't just us.
It
wasn't just us. It was
wasn't just us. It was.
It's
It was. It's all the world remember that
Of several hundred Afghan refugees that no one would
I think that there has to be some larger
college or grow to graduate school because they could go home and rebuild
their
because they could go home and rebuild their countries
because they could go home and rebuild their countries.
We
their countries. We have a
get young woman out. We can't afford to lose a whole
generation
We can't afford to lose a whole generation of women and still think
we're
generation of women and still think we're going to rebuild
generation of women and still think we're going to rebuild.
This
we're going to rebuild. This society or a whole generation of
thinking in terms of how we could train and educate
thinking in terms of how we could train and educate.
Were
and educate. Were also reconstructing
and educate. Were also reconstructing.
And
Were also reconstructing. And certainly should be
Can be targeted for all kinds of abuse we should be having more
refugees in this intense situation. I know time is running out I just want
to
I know time is running out I just want to make a comment and then ask both of
you
to make a comment and then ask both of you to to get back to that question
to make a comment and then ask both of you to to get back to that question.
Canon
you to to get back to that question. Canon.
And
Canon. And and Nicholas
Canon. And and Nicholas.
Of
And and Nicholas. Of the question about whether you would
tell
homes to stay in their homes so think about that
homes to stay in their homes so think about that.
But
about that. But I just want to underscore what you
said
But I just want to underscore what you said.
More
said. More than eighty
women and children. So whatever
The gallant side of our. Women and children
The gallant side of our. Women and children.
I know that. From what I can tell there's not that
many
. Senator Twenty six
children. In Afghanistan die before the age of
five
In Afghanistan die before the age of five twenty six
You know you just. On a day when we had great news about
our
On a day when we had great news about our life
mortality. Going in the right direction
mortality. Going in the right direction.
You
Going in the right direction. You know we've
Going in the right direction. You know we've.
We've
You know we've. We've got to just do something about it
so
We've got to just do something about it so we're just talking that
We've got to just do something about it so we're just talking that.
We
so we're just talking that. We really want to
together here. To take what a lot of what you've told
us
To take what a lot of what you've told us and
To take what a lot of what you've told us and.
There
us and. There is a tremendous sense of urgency
us and. There is a tremendous sense of urgency.
I
There is a tremendous sense of urgency. I mean it if I could
only a tiny bit. And it's not even critical because this
thing
got thrown into everything it's. Whether it's air safety if you will or
whether
Whether it's air safety if you will or whether it's this
Whether it's air safety if you will or whether it's this.
Abroad
whether it's this. Abroad have to even go faster
whether it's this. Abroad have to even go faster.
We
Abroad have to even go faster. We have to go faster
Abroad have to even go faster. We have to go faster.
How
We have to go faster. How many weeks is it
We have to go faster. How many weeks is it.
Nicholas
How many weeks is it. Nicholas till the winters
How many weeks is it. Nicholas till the winters.
The
Nicholas till the winters. The snows come
Nicholas till the winters. The snows come.
But
The snows come. But well it
get snow and by time. You know by middle classes will not be
do. We
do. We have a humanitarian crisis
do. We have a humanitarian crisis.
That
We have a humanitarian crisis. That needs an urgent
And we have to think big about it. And I think that's really our message
we've
And I think that's really our message we've gotten from all the
So if you could answer that question about do you stay home with you have
left
about do you stay home with you have left.
And
left. And.
And
And. And then I'll
you. Refugees International has been urging
for
Refugees International has been urging for years that
Refugees International has been urging for years that.
The
for years that. The best way to deal with the
in Afghanistan is to get food to the villages so
homes they don't want to leave their homes and their families
homes they don't want to leave their homes and their families.
But
homes and their families. But they will leave if they're not fed
obviously
But they will leave if they're not fed obviously.
The
obviously. The conditions in the refugee
Herat. For instance in Afghanistan
Herat. For instance in Afghanistan.
Are
For instance in Afghanistan. Are horrific and
We feel everybody would be better off for many of the reasons that Mr Naseer
said
for many of the reasons that Mr Naseer said earlier
for many of the reasons that Mr Naseer said earlier.
If
said earlier. If we could get food to them in their
villages
If we could get food to them in their villages the
difficult to do. There's very little
infrastructure. We're talking about is a country as
large
We're talking about is a country as large as Texas
We're talking about is a country as large as Texas.
The
the least. So maybe Nicholas can say more about
this
So maybe Nicholas can say more about this but we have long advocated that
this
this but we have long advocated that this is the best thing to do
this but we have long advocated that this is the best thing to do.
We
to do that. We question
to do that. We question.
Whether
We question. Whether it's
there they have two basic needs security
there they have two basic needs security.
And
security. And sustenance and just you know
security. And sustenance and just you know.
Been
And sustenance and just you know. Been able to survive and
And sustenance and just you know. Been able to survive and.
And
Been able to survive and. And therefore from a health
Been able to survive and. And therefore from a health.
Health
their homes. It's better
their homes. It's better.
And
It's better. And we know the consequences of
It's better. And we know the consequences of.
Of
And we know the consequences of. Of moving and of being in
areas. It's difficult to control
areas. It's difficult to control.
In
It's difficult to control. In terms of
It's difficult to control. In terms of.
Of
And so on so it's clearly. It's better from health
However. You know
However. You know.
Also
You know. Also because of the fear of violence
You know. Also because of the fear of violence.
Persecution
Also because of the fear of violence. Persecution and fear
Also because of the fear of violence. Persecution and fear.
And
Persecution and fear. And we've seen
Persecution and fear. And we've seen.
We
And we've seen. We did a survey in one of the refugee
And this is a bit old but still gives you an indication this was in January
of
you an indication this was in January of this year we were asking
coming to our clinic you know. I'm doing a questionnaire
coming to our clinic you know. I'm doing a questionnaire.
And
I'm doing a questionnaire. And there we found that seventy
of them had fled. Because of violence and fear and
of them had fled. Because of violence and fear and.
Either
Because of violence and fear and. Either that the war was coming to them
Because of violence and fear and. Either that the war was coming to them.
This
Either that the war was coming to them. This is the this is the civil war that
has
the country that a lot of local commanders that were
In different areas I mean it's not only the main frontline but there are a
number
the main frontline but there are a number of other areas and
there's been targeting of ethnically distinct ethnic
Hazaras therefore. You know if
Hazaras therefore. You know if.
you
You know if. you If it's a
Then of course they should be told not to go but I think if you cannot tell
If there is still a threat of violence. That is hanging over
If there is still a threat of violence. That is hanging over.
Over
That is hanging over. Over their heads and violence comes
from
Over their heads and violence comes from many different from many different
quarters
from many different from many different quarters.
Well
quarters. Well I so
was my sense that. You know
was my sense that. You know.
In
You know. In the
You're only dealing with family. But just enough itself but if that's
the
But just enough itself but if that's the only thing you're dealing with
But just enough itself but if that's the only thing you're dealing with.
And
the only thing you're dealing with. And you can have flatland the good
weather
And you can have flatland the good weather in convoys
And you can have flatland the good weather in convoys.
Yes
weather in convoys. Yes.
But
Yes. But my sense is a little bit of only
realistic
But my sense is a little bit of only realistic.
Talk
realistic. Talk here before
realistic. Talk here before.
You
Talk here before. You know
Talk here before. You know.
With
You know. With an imagery
You know. With an imagery.
Of
just waiting for the truck. To a lot like the milk truck
just waiting for the truck. To a lot like the milk truck.
It
To a lot like the milk truck. It just is not the right
Woman as a class. They're walking around with these
religious
Plus they're now constricting. Young kids
Plus they're now constricting. Young kids.
If
Young kids. If they don't go with them they shoot
them
If they don't go with them they shoot them.
So
them. So you might leave for that reason
alone
So you might leave for that reason alone so
So you might leave for that reason alone so.
You
alone so. You know way from them
alone so. You know way from them.
Your
You know way from them. Your younger son
You know way from them. Your younger son.
Right
Your younger son. Right about the way I want to
Your younger son. Right about the way I want to.
Got
Right about the way I want to. Got my test my formulation
Right about the way I want to. Got my test my formulation.
Because
Got my test my formulation. Because it has a lot of stuff in it
that
Because it has a lot of stuff in it that we can say that absolutely
Because it has a lot of stuff in it that we can say that absolutely.
A
Necklace will finish with you or can. One
Necklace will finish with you or can. One.
If
One. If you
One. If you.
You
If you. You you had your hand
know I just had my not done not to conclude but just to to give us just
know I just had my not done not to conclude but just to to give us just.
On
conclude but just to to give us just. On the on the
conclude but just to to give us just. On the on the.
The
On the on the. The reasons why
As a result of drought. Just to give you an indication of how
hard
Just to give you an indication of how hard the
ongoing for three years now. And
over time. Three years ago
had livestock. They were richer
among them. They were
On their own within their communities without having to rely on outside
assistance
without having to rely on outside assistance really lot of these remote
areas
assistance really lot of these remote areas.
Remote
areas. Remote villages
areas. Remote villages.
But
Remote villages. But over time
Remote villages. But over time.
They've
But over time. They've had to sell off assets they've
had
They've had to sell off assets they've had to
They've had to sell off assets they've had to.
You
had to. You know
had to. You know.
what we've seen in going to rule areas in doing surveys is that
what we've seen in going to rule areas in doing surveys is that.
Also
in doing surveys is that. Also in the village decides you know
in doing surveys is that. Also in the village decides you know.
We
Also in the village decides you know. We can't we can't stay here any longer
it
We can't we can't stay here any longer it is just not feasible
We can't we can't stay here any longer it is just not feasible.
You
it is just not feasible. You know
little that we have remaining and move. And that's what we've been seeing as
Remote areas. In in
Back to D.S. who are in these areas and moving to to Herat
Back to D.S. who are in these areas and moving to to Herat.
That
moving to to Herat. That makes it
moving to to Herat. That makes it.
When
That makes it. When they move it's really that out of
last resort and. Therefore the we should try to reach
out
Therefore the we should try to reach out to them
Therefore the we should try to reach out to them.
If
out to them. If we can
out to them. If we can.
For
If we can. For they do reach that
Well let me just. Agree with Senator Boxer that
Well let me just. Agree with Senator Boxer that.
We
Agree with Senator Boxer that. We thank you I'd like to thank the
recorder's
We thank you I'd like to thank the recorder's been working so hard we were
it's
recorder's been working so hard we were it's really
the right. Let me just
the right. Let me just.
Agree
Let me just. Agree with Senator Boxer that
Let me just. Agree with Senator Boxer that.
We
Agree with Senator Boxer that. We thank you I'd like to thank the
recorder's
We thank you I'd like to thank the recorder's been working so hard we were
it's
recorder's been working so hard we were it's really
the record and I think both of us and I think we
here it's. It's hard for this
here it's. It's hard for this.
For
It's hard for this. For any of this to be symbolic and they
will
For any of this to be symbolic and they will be less than fully
For any of this to be symbolic and they will be less than fully.
There
will be less than fully. There was another committee hearing the
other
There was another committee hearing the other discussion I mean this is all
just
other discussion I mean this is all just.
So
right now thank you for being here. Thank you very much
right now thank you for being here. Thank you very much.
That
Thank you very much. That is