Statement on the de facto authorities of Afghanistan suspending Sweden’s activities.

The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, SCA, is seeking dialogue with the de facto authorities of Afghanistan to clarify if the directive of July 11 to suspend all Sweden’s activities in Afghanistan will affect our organization.

SCA is a non-governmental organization established in 1980 as a solidarity movement, from people to people, to support Afghans’ right to self-determination. SCA is not a Swedish government entity, SCA is independent and impartial in relation to all political stakeholders and states and is funded by a broad range of donors. For over 40 years SCA has been working in close collaboration with the rural population and in deep respect of both Islam and local traditions in Afghanistan.

SCA strongly condemns all acts of desecration of the Holy Quran, just as we condemn any attempt to create conflict or hostility between people based on religious belief, ethnicity, nationality, or any other division.

SCA received 2,5 million patients last year in our clinics in Wardak and Nuristan, 133 000 children were provided education in our schools and more than 20 000 persons with disabilities were supported. SCA has around 8 000 Afghan employees in 18 provinces, and we remain committed to support the people of Afghanistan.