Sanctions Take Heavy Toll on Afghan Civilians

The United Nations’ strict sanctions on Afghanistan have had a devastating impact on the country’s civilians, causing widespread suffering and humanitarian crises.

Protests and Consequences

In November 1999, when the sanctions went into effect, protests erupted in Kabul. Demonstrators attacked UN offices and vehicles, leading to the grounding of the Afghan national airline Ariana and the withdrawal of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) due to rising insecurity and lack of donor support.

Exacerbating Humanitarian Crisis

The sanctions have exacerbated Afghanistan’s long-standing humanitarian crisis, which has been ongoing for over two decades. Aid groups like MSF and Human Rights Watch have criticized the decision to impose stricter sanctions on Afghanistan’s ruling party, citing the dire humanitarian situation in the country.

Dire Situation

According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), food had become so scarce that people were resorting to eating plant roots. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) described the situation as a “famine-like crisis.” Today, 22 million Afghans are now food insecure, and one million children are at risk of death.

Devastating Impact on Economy

The sanctions have also had a devastating impact on Afghanistan’s economy. Limited cash liquidity has caused food and fuel prices to soar, making it difficult for people to access essential goods. Humanitarian aid is still being provided by Western actors, but the flow of essential goods is consistently impeded due to restrictions on capital flow as part of the international sanctions against Afghanistan.

Criticism and Consequences

“Afghanistan exemplifies the pattern where sanctions disproportionately harm civilians compared to their targeted leaders,” said Meena Said, founder of Wellness Worldwide. “Those in authority can manipulate the distribution of resources, often prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of civilians.”

The Taliban’s misallocation of resources has also had a devastating impact on vulnerable Afghans, particularly women and ethnic minorities.

Natural Disasters and Sanctions

In recent months, Afghanistan has been hit by a series of devastating natural disasters, including a destructive earthquake that struck in June. Survivors of the disaster have called for Western sanctions to be lifted, citing the need for access to funds to rebuild homes, hospitals, and schools.

Hawala System and Remittances

The historic Hawala system, an informal currency exchange network that originates from the Asian continent, has played a crucial role in facilitating economic activity in Afghanistan since the imposition of the sanctions. The exact magnitude of remittances transferred through this system remains unknown, but it is believed to have contributed significantly to warding off a full-scale famine.

Concerns Over Due Process

Despite the devastating impact of the sanctions on civilians, there are concerns that the UN has failed to provide due process to those listed on its consolidated list. Individuals can be placed on the list without being informed of the allegations against them or having an opportunity to challenge their listing.

Criticism and Accountability

The UN’s disregard for international standards of due process has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it is punitive rather than preventative. The lack of transparency and accountability in the sanctions regime has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, leaving civilians to suffer the consequences.