Afghan interpreters’ UK resettlement package is described as Å“inadequate”.
The British governmentâ„¢s resettlement package to be granted to half of the 1,200 Afghan interpreters working for UK forces in Afghanistan has been criticized as Å“inadequate”.
Britainâ„¢s Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said up to 600 Afghans, who are currently employed by Britainâ„¢s Foreign Office and Armed Forces in Helmand, will be eligible to resettle in the country.
Under the new proposals, those whose employment ended before 19 December 2012, voluntarily or for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible.
The package, however, was attacked as being insufficient and inadequate by firms representing Afghan interpreters.
Rosa Curling from law firm Leigh Day & Co described the package as “completely inadequate”, adding that the interpreters Å“will remain in grave danger until the Government finally does the right thing and treats them like their colleagues in Iraq.”
Moreover, the Avaaz campaign group warned the plans would leave hundreds of translators at risk.
“This deal may sound great in London, but could be lethal in Kabul,” said campaign director Alex Wilks.
Afghan interpreters, who have worked with British forces in Afghanistan since 2001, now fear retaliation from Taliban militants as NATO forces prepare to withdraw from the Asian country.
According to the reports, 20 interpreters working with British troops in Afghanistan were killed in action and dozens have been injured. Another five were said to have been killed while off duty.
SSM/MOS/HE
This article originally appeared on: Press TV