Security

The security situation in Afghanistan is constantly changing and aid workers need to regularly assess danger and act accordingly. There have been a number of attacks against the Afghan Army, Police and Government staff; and UN, NGOs, International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) personnel and individuals have also been targeted

Hostility, the availability of weapons and the large number of antipersonnel mines and Unexploded Ordinance constitute important threats to the life, safety, freedom and property of persons.

All UN staff must attend a security briefing on arrival to Afghanistan and complete the Basic Security on the Field training course.

The major threats can be grouped in the following categories:

Attacks by Taliban/ Anti-government elements

Following the fall of the Taliban and the arrival of the US Armed Forces and the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), a jihad against foreign forces, foreigners and their Afghan collaborators was declared by Taliban and other Islamic extremist leaders. The south and the east of the country remain the most dangerous areas, and numerous attacks against Afghan and foreign aid workers have taken place. There have been bomb attacks against aid agencies in Kabul, Kandahar and Herat.

The threat against aid workers remains high, and all are encouraged to attend security awareness courses and to follow security measures put in place by their agencies/organisations

Mines and UXOs

Millions of antipersonnel mines and large quantities of Unexploded Ordnance remain scattered on Afghan soil. They constitute a deadly threat to all, and although estimates vary, it is considered that there are 60-90 incidents resulting in death and or injury each month.

Attendance to a Mine awareness Course is strongly recommended for all new arrivals in country.

Robbery/crime

Crime and robbery remain an important source of threats to Afghans and foreigners alike. It is important to recall the easy availability of weapons in Afghanistan, and the low policing capacity in many parts of the country. Avoid walking alone and at night, and do not carry valuable items ostensibly.

Dress and behaviour

Both Afghan women and men wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. Most Afghan men wear the Shalwar Kammez: a long shirt reaching the knees or longer, and baggy trousers. They usually cover their heads with a turban, a Pukhool (round woolen hat) or a fur hat. They also wear the pattu, a kind of blanket wrapped around the shoulders.

Muslim women generally are not supposed to show any part of their bodies in public except the face and hands, and must always dress modestly. Women in Afghanistan dress according to their ethnic and geographical origin, and the traditional national dress worn on special occasions can be elaborately embroidered and very colorful. Generally however women wear long shirts that cover their thighs and trousers or ankle-length skirts over trousers. Most women cover their head with a scarf or Chador that covers their hair and shoulders in public. Some wear the Chaderi or Burka in public, a long garment that covers their body from head to foot, with a mesh that covers the eyes.

Visitors to Afghanistan should respect Afghan culture and dress modestly. Short skirts, shorts, short sleeves (for women), sleeveless shirts, and tight fitting clothes should not be worn in public. Men can wear normal western clothing, with shirt and tie when attending important meetings. More casual but neat clothing is acceptable for everyday wear. Shorts should never be worn in public.

For women it is recommended to wear normal western clothes that are not close-fitting, or revealing. Long shirts and ankle-length skirts or trousers are both comfortable and culturally sensitive. Women should be aware that the part of the trousers from the knee to the waist is considered to be underwear and should be covered to avoid being stared at. When in public it is recommended to cover hair and shoulders with a scarf. Within the UN compounds, offices or western guesthouses there is more freedom regarding the dress code.

Separation of the sexes is a basic cultural norm in Afghanistan. Women should avoid meeting men’s eyes, smiling at them or laughing loudly in public. Men should avoid looking at women, mentioning their name or asking men friends about their wives, daughters or other women. Touching or hugging between sexes is unacceptable in public.

Men greet each other with a handshake and a kiss, especially if they are Pashtoon. Greetings can take a considerable amount of time, asking about the health and wellbeing of expended families. Women greet other women by kissing each other 3 times. They do not shake hands with men.

Female visitors to Afghanistan can shake hands with Afghan men if they wish, but only if they offer their hand first. Male visitors should never attempt to shake hands with Afghan women.

Afghan people are very hospitable and generally understanding of the fact that visitors come from a different culture, and might make mistakes. It is however very important to try to respect local culture and customs. It is advisable to take time to greet colleagues every day and to learn some Dari or Pashtoo greetings.

Afghan people are very hospitable and generally understanding of the fact that visitors come from a different culture, and might make mistakes. It is however important to try to respect local culture and customs.

Health

The health sector in Afghanistan is in a very poor state, with destruction or extensive damage of its health infrastructure, limited numbers of professional healthcare workers and widespread poverty and malnutrition. The situation is worsened by poor hygiene and sanitation, poor access to safe drinking water, and harmful cultural practices that limit access to health care to women and girls.

Since 2002 there has been an important effort by the Ministry of Health to provide a basic healthcare service. With the assistance of the International Community many clinics and hospitals have been built or repaired, services for maternal and newborn health established, immunization programmes carried out and supply of essential drugs improved. Training and refresher courses for health care providers are also having an important impact in the health situation in Afghanistan. However life expectancy remains extremely low at 43.1 years, infant and maternal mortality rates among the highest in the world, and chronic malnutrition affecting up to 50% of the population.

Visitors coming to Afghanistan should ensure that they are vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever (mandatory for travelers coming from endemic areas), Polio, Rabies, Tuberculosis and Typhoid. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Meningitis A, C, Y, W 135, Cholera, Measles are also recommended as well as prophylactic treatment against Malaria.

There are basic health facilities available in Afghanistan, although these are more scarce in the provinces.

A personal health / first aid kit is highly recommended, as well as a good supply of any individual prescription medicines which you require. UN staff has access to the UN clinic which has doctors, dentist and full laboratory services. In case of emergency there are military hospitals run by the different ISAF forces where emergency treatment can be obtained.