Mercy Corps Stays Put

Portland Tribune, July 30, 2004

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Portland-based Mercy Corps is planning to continue its humanitarian work in Afghanistan in the face of growing security threats to foreign aid workers.

The medical relief agency Médecins Sans Frontières pulled out of Afghanistan this week in response to the slaying of five of its employees in June. The news was quickly followed by reports that two U.N. employees were killed in an attack thought to be related to the upcoming elections in Afghanistan.

“We understand MSF’s position and we sympathize, but we are not planning to leave Afghanistan,” said Jim White, a director of program operations for Mercy Corps.

White said Mercy Corps recently has re-evaluated its security protocols and hired new staff members to help keep the agency’s employees safe in Afghanistan.

“We are committed to trying to find every way possible to support the Afghan people,” White said.