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FROM THE FIELD

World Humanitarian Day: Honouring aid workers past and present
18 Aug 2009 17:35:34 GMT
 Source: Merlin - UK
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On World Humanitarian Day, Merlin honours all those who have lost their lives carrying out humanitarian work in the field and acknowledges those who are currently working in some of the most hostile environments in the world.

Linda Doull, Merlin’s Director of Health and Policy said: “We welcome this opportunity organised by the UN, as it has never been so dangerous to be an aid worker. In 2008, 122 aid workers were killed, compared to 79 in 2007 and 86 in 2006. Merlin lost five aid workers in 2008, including two staff members from Afghanistan who were killed in Kunduz in July.

A group of unknown men stormed a Merlin clinic, threatening to burn it to the ground. Dr Sayid Masoom, in charge of the clinic, and Mohammad Ewazewaz, Merlin's Duty Guard, were both fatally shot in the attack.

Afghanistan â€" Aid getting through despite insecurity

Afghanistan has become one of the most dangerous places to work in the world, alongside Sudan (Darfur) and Somalia â€" all places where Merlin works. And this has intensified in the run up to the presidential elections, due to take place on Thursday.

Family members of some of our staff working in Kunduz have moved to Kabul for their own safety and staff members are being particularly vigilant. However, despite the acute security concerns, our work continues. This is largely thanks to the continued discussion with the local communities over the years and the resulting trust they have developed in Merlin. “Our health staff are still carrying out their work providing health care in surrounding villages and local clinics,” explained our Health Manager based in Kunduz, “but we are being extra vigilant at the moment, with the election only a day away.”

Pakistan â€" Providing health care for the displaced

Neighbouring Pakistan has also become an increasingly dangerous place to operate since violence flared up in May this year. A UN worker was shot dead in July right outside one of the clinics Merlin is supporting in Kacha Garri in the North West Frontier Province.

Patrick Parsons, Merlin’s Operations Coordinator in Pakistan explained: “We pulled our staff out of the clinic in Kacha Garrii, but they requested to go back to work after 24 hours. We are taking all the security precautions we can without hindering our services to the thousands of displaced people who really need our help. These people are really suffering.”

He adds: “We have to make the health centres we support accessible to people. If we hide behind armed guards and high barbed wire fencing, no one will come. After walking for days, with no clean water and food, people are suffering from acute watery diarrhoea and respiratory infections. They need the facilities to be fully staffed and equipped. And we are doing our best to achieve that.”

Dr Gulshan is one of 360 Pakistani staff working for Merlin. She explained how the team were afraid to work when the violence first began, but they enforced strict safety rules to enhance staff safety and now they have got used to it: “When we heard the blasts we were afraid, but now they have almost become a part of our daily routine. We just want to serve the people in need. Health centres have been destroyed and often there is no electricity, running water and medical supplies. And there are massive health worker shortages. We have to make sure that good quality health care is available to the thousands of people who desperately need it. That’s what drives us all here.”

Attacks becoming more politically motivated

According to a recent report by the Overseas Development Institute, attacks on aid workers are increasingly politically motivated, especially in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan and Somalia, where NGOs are perceived to be part of the “western agenda.” As such, NGOs are withdrawing or limiting the movement of their international staff, while national staff are taking on increased responsibilities. Merlin is aware of the different risks involved for all staff, and is continually reviewing and adapting its security procedures accordingly.

Pete Sweetnam, Director of Programmes, concludes: “We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of all of our staff and the community members we work with, while at the same time continuing to carry out our life-saving work in some of the world’s most difficult and challenging environments. We commend all of the courageous aid workers around the world who are prepared to risk their lives every day in order to help others.”

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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Last updated:Tue Aug 18 16:41:56 2009