Washington: Facing internal conflict, the number of Afghans fleeing their homes in the war-torn country has more than doubled to over 91,000 compared to last year, according to an advocacy group for displaced persons.
"In the first five months of 2011, we have more than 91,000 people fleeing their homes. And this is in comparison to last year at the same time period when there was 42,000," Refugees International advocate Lynn Yoshikawa said.
"They are living in cramped corridors... sharing homes, living outside in tents. They have a lot of difficulties with breathing conditions, very limited access to medical facilities to address the problems. A lot of it is chronic," Yoshikawa was quoted as saying by CNN.
In describing the makeshift camps, Refugees International representatives say some were situated along major roads within Afghanistan's capital of Kabul, thrown together with discarded objects such as old cars, plastic tarps and torn sheets.
The humanitarian group warns that Afghans continue to be driven from their homes by coalition air strikes and special forces raids. "There is still a lot of displacement happening and it's not being properly addressed," said Yoshikawa.
Also, questions remain about the extent of corruption within Afghanistan's security forces, including local police, who Refugees International says are now also driving Afghans from their homes.
"We talked to displaced people who said the Afghan local police, which are supported by US military... are extorting money from people, demanding taxes, using their power to abuse civilians. They've also been implicated in allegations of murder and torture in these communities," Yoshikawa said.BLUR_B
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