§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy on the role of peace-keeping troops in humanitarian work in Afghanistan; and what response they have made in particular to the statement of the Non-Governmental Organisation Forum in Kabul. [HL3587]
§ Baroness AmosWe appreciate and share the concerns of the NGO Forum in Kabul regarding the role in humanitarian work of military personnel dressed in civilian clothes. Our objective is to meet humanitarian needs through effective and appropriate means. This includes our current funding of various quick impact projects (QIPs) through the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), including rehabilitation of schools, for example. ISAF's objective is to assist in the stabilisation process, with the agreement of the Afghan parties; we believe that quick impact projects aimed at stabilisation and recovery are therefore a valid role for ISAF, particularly given the extent of need and the lack of capacity to address those needs in a timely mariner. ISAF personnel are at all times in uniform, and even when engaged in recovery/humanitarian activities alongside humanitarian workers there is a clear distinction between them. This, to the extent possible in a conflict zone, gives a measure of protection to humanitarian workers.
We are aware of reports of coalition forces undertaking humanitarian work while dressed as civilians. The Defence Secretary has made it clear to all UK military in Afghanistan that they must make it clear they are soldiers if challenged, including by NGO personnel; they carry their arms openly, even if not in uniform for operational reasons. We share your concerns about the risks of creating the impression that all aid workers are either members of the military or closely associated with them.
We continue to raise this issue with coalition partners through appropriate channels.