both to refugees in Pakistan, and communities in Afghanistan
itself. Initial efforts were of varying quality: in one spectacular
case of cultural insensitivity, refugees were supplied with a con-
signment of ‘aid’ which consisted of sardines, briefcases, weight-
reducing powder, brassières, and high-heeled shoes (The New York
Times, 26 October 1980: 8). Fortunately, high standards were set as
more proficient agencies began their work. Some were established
relief agencies, such as the International Rescue Committee. Others
arose in response to the Afghan crisis, notably the Swedish
Committee for Afghanistan. These NGOs often received significant
funding from Western governments. One commentator concluded
that most NGOs engaged in cross-border operations were ‘con-
scious agents of political interests’ (Baitenmann, 1990: 82), but it
is difficult to see how they could have been anything but political,
given that they had to violate the dictates of the communist regime
in order to do their work. In 1988, a coordinating body for NGOs
(ACBAR, or ‘Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief’) was
finally established, with its headquarters in Peshawar.
Finally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (although
not strictly an NGO, given its specific responsibilities under the
1949 Geneva Conventions) was to become heavily involved in
Afghanistan, not just in the sphere of medical and material assist-
ance, but also in its ‘classical’ activities of representations, protec-
tion of prisoners of war, and tracing (Maurice and de Courten,
1991). While its seven principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality,
independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality) prevented
it from taking any public stand as far as the war was concerned, its
first-aid posts on the Afghanistan–Pakistan border and its surgical
hospital in Peshawar saved the lives of many wounded
Mujahideen. Respect for the Red Cross is one of the few happy
legacies of the Soviet–Afghan War.
84 The Afghanistan Wars