KABUL, Afghanistan, March 16 (UPI) -- U.N. and other relief agencies need to act vigilantly to make sure humanitarian aid reaches vulnerable Afghans ahead of a Kandahar offensive, advocates said.
International forces have set their sights on Taliban strongholds on the restive province of Kandahar as fighting winds down in nearby Helmand.
The advocacy group Afghanistan Rights Monitor called on U.N. and other agencies to make sure the humanitarian response is appropriate ahead of the offensive.
ARM said it was "particularly concerned" about restrictions placed on U.N. activity in southern Afghanistan. Military planners caution, however, that it is still too early for conventional reconstruction plans.
Nevertheless, ARM blamed U.N. agencies for acting "passively" as thousands of Afghan families were forced to flee ahead of February operations in Helmand.
"The people of Kandahar should not be left alone in the hard days and nights of the forthcoming military operation," said Ajmal Samadi, director of ARM. "If conflict would force people out of their homes they should have access to shelter, food, medicine, drinking water and other essential services."
Military planners say Helmand operations were the benchmark for broader military efforts planned for Afghanistan.
