 Kabul, 21 sept .2005 |
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PIn
the run up to the United Nations World Summit in New York, Afghan
children raised their voices demanding world leaders take real steps
to reduce poverty. Hundreds of white kites flew above Kabul on 13 September, with a simple message to world leaders attending the UN World Summit: Don't forget us. The future leaders of the country - Afghan children - took part in the event which is aligned to the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP). In Kabul, over 200 children from local NGO ASCHIANA , highlighted the need for world leaders to continue to assist Afghanistan's plight. |
| They
drew messages on white paper kites asking for greater access to education,
healthcare and a life free of poverty and hunger. This was replicated in Jalalabad (in the east of the country) where 150 children took part in GCAP events, thanks to Swedish Committee Afghanistan |
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The
event was organised by a coalition of NGO's and NGO coordinating bodies,
and financially supported by Oxfam
UK. Anja de Beer, Director of NGO coordinating body ACBAR, (Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief) who helped to organize the event said "This is the first time Afghanistan has been linked to such an event, and it is proof that the country is keen to be a part of initiatives by the international community to end poverty." Hamid Jalil from local NGO Sanayee Development Foundation added "But at the same time it is important that the international community does not forget Afghanistan in the future. It is the responsibility of world leaders to ensure that Afghanistan is not burdened by too much debt, is receiving real aid and is not hampered by unfair trade rules." This kite flying day is linked to actions right around the world, as a part of the GCAP campaign. "The local kite flying area in Kabul was a wonderful sight on Tuesday, with the children of Afghanistan adding their voice to a global campaign to end poverty." Said Sultan Fazal of Christian Aid |
| crédit photo : whiteband.org/PressCenter/ |
