The Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) on Thursday condemned the three separate and apparently targeted security incidents on humanitarian aid personnel that have occurred in recent weeks in Pakistan.
Condemning the spate of targeted incidents against humanitarian aid staff, the PHF reiterated that all parties must recognise and respect the inherent neutrality and independence of the humanitarian assistance provided by the dedicated humanitarian workers. “The PHF extends its sympathy to all those directly involved in these incidents and regrets the inevitable delay in getting vital assistance to communities resulting from this insecurity,” PHF Chairperson Aine Fay said.
She said further, “The PHF members provide life-saving assistance and development support to the most vulnerable people in Pakistan. We express grave concern at this deterioration in the security situation for the humanitarian organisations and personnel and the negative impact it will have on the ability of humanitarian aid and development organisations to provide assistance for the country’s most vulnerable people.” The PHF noted, “The PHF calls on all individuals and parties to respect the work of humanitarian aid and development agencies, and to refrain from acts that may jeopardise staff and activities. It also urges those responsible to ensure the safe and immediate release of the humanitarian aid personnel abducted.” The PHF was formed to coordinate and strengthen the efforts of International NGOs working in disaster management. The forum collectively represents the INGOs to the government of Pakistan, United Nations and the larger humanitarian community, including the National Humanitarian Network of Pakistani NGOs and the community-based Organisations.
