One of the most significant impacts of sanctions is that ordinary Afghans feel isolated and victimized. There is a widespread perception that the United Nations and the world in general have set out to harm rather than help Afghans. Personally, I feel that the world community has set out to harm rather than help Afghans. The world community has turned its back on Afghan people and abducted its responsibilities. In terms of sharing the protection costs of Afghan refugees, the international community appears to be moving towards a complete abdication of its obligations.
Afghan refugees are the largest and most forgotten groups of refugees in the world today.
Most of the world know that 12 American died in the twin embassy bombings in Africa in August 1998, but not many knows that 2.2 million Afghans have died in the past 22 years. The average North American, most likely, don't have a clue what's going on in Afghanistan and the tragic lives many Afghans face daily in such camps as Jalozai and Akora Khattak. I strongly believe that it is our duty as Afghans, and as human beings, to help our people in Afghanistan and participate actively in ensuring that the proper information is channeled through the media. We must counter act such campaign of misinformation about Afghan people and raise the level of awareness about the real situation in Afghanistan. Annan's remarks pertaining to the sanctions not having much effect on Afghans is inaccurate but understandable.