12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Women’s rights activists face threats and intimidation, especially if they talk about women’s rights, the role of Islam and commanders ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22994]

"Women’s rights activists face threats and intimidation, particularly if they speak out about women’s rights, the role of Islam or the behaviour of commanders."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Increase of targeted attacks and threats against Afghans working for international organisations and security forces particularly in areas with anti-government insurgent activities and Taliban presence ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 23170]

"Afghans working or associated with international organizations and security forces, in areas where there are anti-Government insurgent activities or infiltrations of Taliban and Hezb-e-Islami forces, continue to be at risk, and are, in fact, increasingly targeted.
The increase in targeted attacks and threats against Afghans working for international organizations and security forces are based on a perceived association with the central Government and its supporters. Leaflets warning Afghans not to work for the Government and its supporters, including the aid community, are distributed in those provinces where anti-Governmental elements are present and are able to operate.
A number of incidents have been reported in 2006 and 2007 in Kandahar, Helmand and Kunar against Afghans accused of working for international military forces. The targets of such attacks have been civilian workers, such as truck drivers or construction workers. In 2007, kidnappings have also been on the rise both for political and criminal objectives. From January to May 2007 three high profile political kidnappings took place. While the first kidnapping targeting humanitarian workers was resolved with the release of all involved, the second involving a foreign journalist and his Afghan counterpart ended with the release of the foreign journalist and the beheading of the Afghani."

Document(s): Open document

11.04.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Italian NGO that runs hospitals in Afghanistan has temporarily pulled around 40 international staff from the country, citing threats from the Afghan government ("Italian NGO Leaves Afghanistan, Citing Official Threats") [ID 19609]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Some organisations forced to leave areas of the country due to attacks ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19506]

"Attacks on government security forces, international organizations, international aid workers and their local counterparts, and foreign interests and nationals increased during the year and prompted some organizations to leave areas of the country."

Document(s): Open document