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Asset Forfeiture Laws in Afghanistan Spark Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has sparked concerns among civil society organizations, with many calling for the return of the country’s frozen assets.

The Situation on the Ground

Before August 2021, when the US froze Afghanistan’s assets, the country’s western-backed government was heavily reliant on foreign aid and spent most of its revenue on the conflict with the Taliban. Since the Taliban took over, the entire country has been economically sanctioned, and Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), its central bank, had all its assets frozen.

The Consequences

  • The DAB serves as collateral insurance for private banks to operate, but since August 2021, the entire banking system has been paralyzed, along with the Afghan economy.
  • Businesses and individuals cannot access their own money, leading to soaring inflation worsened by a record-breaking drought and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • Afghanistan has become “hell on Earth,” said the director of the UN World Food Programme, with over 21 million people unsure where their next meal will come from.

Civil Society’s Response

Civil society organizations are calling for the return of Afghanistan’s frozen assets, which they believe belong to the Afghan people. Through grassroots organizing, high-level advocacy, and litigation, the Afghan American community has stepped up efforts to bring back the funds.

  • Afghans for a Better Tomorrow filed an amicus brief opposing the 9/11 families’ lawsuit, citing concerns that the money belongs to the Afghan people, not the Taliban.
  • The organization proposed a plan for releasing the funds with proper safeguards, including ring-fencing and electronic auditing records.

International Community’s Role

The international community is also being urged to contribute to improving the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan by supporting a fledging civil society and sanction relief. This includes:

  • Funding economic development projects through institutions like the World Bank.
  • Ensuring the healthcare system remains functional, with targeted funding and support.

A Way Forward

In addition to financial sanctions, alternative measures can be implemented to promote human rights and support civil society in Afghanistan, including:

  • A strengthened mandate by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to document and monitor human rights violations.
  • Supporting accurate media coverage through independent reporting and fact-checking initiatives.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan demands immediate attention and action. The international community must work together to address this crisis and support the Afghan people.