Hungarian Interchurch Aid Suspends Afghan Activities

The local staff of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid's office in northern Afghanistan are not in immediate danger, but the Budapest headquarters is prepared for any eventuality, Kristóf Gáncs, communications director of the organization told the news website hvg.hu.

In any case, the NGO, which has been present in Afghanistan for twenty years, has suspended work in its field office, as well as its aid programs.

There have been no Hungarians working in the Mazari Sharif office for years, but there is a staff of 10-12 locals with whom the Budapest management of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid is in constant contact.

“No information has come from our staff that they are in immediate danger, but it is difficult for them. It's a fragile situation, it can change from day to day, hour to hour, so it's a precarious situation. In any case, we have scenarios for different situations, but it is too early to talk about whether we will withdraw from the country or evacuate our local employees and their families,” Kristóf Gáncs told the website.