PAKISTAN HUMANITARIAN FORUM
July 27, 2011 Coalition of top international aid agencies decries alleged CIA vaccination ruse, demands investigation Islamabad – The Pakistan Humanitarian Forum is gravely concerned by reports that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) organised a fake vaccination programme in Abottabad for counter terrorism/intelligence purposes and condemns any such actions by the CIA. The PHF represents 40 international aid organisations at work in Pakistan that share a common goal: to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. The PHF stresses that any such action if true suggests both wilful arrogance and ignorance, which will have a detrimental effect on our work to help millions of vulnerable Pakistanis. Such irresponsible actions would damage our members’ hard-earned reputations for integrity, and potentially taint the trust we require to effectively carry on. It could also endanger thousands of international and Pakistani aid workers trying to deliver assistance in a difficult environment. As medical organisations have charged, now even the most basic health care may not reach the most needy because they will question the true motivation of aid workers. In Pakistan, vaccination schemes remain key to curtailing diseases, which have long since been eradicated in more developed nations. Any time military or political objectives are carried out under the guise of legitimate humanitarian work, actual humanitarian assistance to the people of Pakistan suffers. International aid organisations strive for impartiality so they can carry out their work unimpeded. If we, the members of the PHF, do not retain that perception of integrity, both our efforts and the safety of our staff will be compromised. The PHF urges the U.S. Government to investigate these serious allegations against the CIA and to take firm action in order to prevent any abuse of humanitarian assistance. Notes to Editors: For more information please contact the PHF on info@pakhumanitarianforum.org or +92 (51) 2611655 About the PHF: INGOs working for disaster response in Pakistan formed an informal network by the name of Northern Areas Earthquake Relief Operation (NAERO), following the 2002 earthquake in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The objective of the network was to coordinate response and rehabilitation activities of INGOs in the affected area. The Pakistan-Humanitarian Forum was formed to coordinate and strengthen the efforts of International NGOs working in disaster management. The forum collectively represents INGOs to the Government of Pakistan, United Nations, and the larger humanitarian community, including the National Humanitarian Network of Pakistani NGOs and Community-Based Organizations. Since its formation various INGOs have acted as Chair of the PHF, the main responsibilities being to coordinate communication among members, participate at meetings, and lead PHF advocacy initiatives. The PHF is currently chaired by CRS. The current and immediate past chair of PHF sit on the Humanitarian Country Team, the Policy and Strategy Meetings in Peshawar, the Emergency Relief Fund Advisory and Review
PAKISTAN HUMANITARIAN FORUM Secretariat House No.3, Street No. 35, Sector F7/1, Islamabad, PAKISTAN. Telephone: +92 (51) 2611655
Boards, and the Pakistan Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Country Team, a coordination mechanism constituted by UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and international NGOs. There are 40 member organisations of the PHF. 13 Organisations participate at PHF meetings as observers.
PAKISTAN HUMANITARIAN FORUM Secretariat House No.3, Street No. 35, Sector F7/1, Islamabad, PAKISTAN. Telephone: +92 (51) 2611655