There are several private voluntary organizations [PVOs] that have an established track record in providing humanitarian relief to the Afghan people: These include the International Medical Corps. the International Rescue Committee. the International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC]. Americares. and others. There are also several European groups that have performed admirably inside Afghanistan and in the refugee camps in Pakistan. they include the Medecins Sans Frontieresthe French doctorsthe Swedish Doctors Committee. and others. These are the most likely recipients of such aid. These groups in turn would distribute food. cash grants for food. medicine. clothing. and so forth. to the needy Afghan people. Operations could be conducted both inside the country and in neighboring Pakistani refugee camps on the border provinces. Let me also praise the Pakistani Government for the considerable burden they have borne since the Soviet invasion and occupation in 1979. They have done an exemplary Job of housing and feeding the massive influx of Afghan refugeesindeed. the largest number of refugees in the world today. They have done a marvelous job in the face of repeated threatsnot veiled threats I might addof Soviet reprisals if they continue to assist the downtrodden Afghan refugees. or as the Soviets prefer to call them. the Afghan "bandits." Mr. Chairman. this amendment can and should be supported by every Member of the body. There are no Republicans or Democrats on this issue. there are only interested. concerned and helpful Americans.
Keywords matched
refugeesindeed refugee refugees