SCA seeks clarification from IEA on its activities

ATLANTA (Pajhwok): The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) has condemned the desecration of the Quran, saying it is independent of the government of Sweden.

The non-profit organisation claimed providing health services to 2.5 million Afghans in the past one year. It is still extending education facilities to 130,000 children nationwide, using international donations.

A day earlier, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) halted all Swedish activities in the country following the burning of the Holy Quran in Stockholm.

In a statement o July 11, SCA sought a clarification from the government of Afghanistan on whether or not the sanctions applied to it.

The SCA called itself a non-governmental organisation established in 1980 as a solidarity movement to support Afghans’ right to self-determination.

SCA explained it was not a Swedish government entity, saying being independent and impartial in relation to all political stakeholders and states. it was funded by a broad range of donors.

The committee said it was seeking dialogue with the de facto authorities of Afghanistan to clarify if the directive of July 11 would affect the organisation.

For more than 40 years, SCA said, it had 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,” the statement added.

SCA clinics received 2,5 million patients last year in Maidan Wardak and Nuristan, it said, adding 133 000 children were provided education and more than 20 000 people with disabilities were supported.

The committee, having around 8 000 Afghan employees in 18 provinces, renewed its commitment to supporting the people of Afghanistan.

aw/mud

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