Reference :
V-P-AF-E-01414
Date :
13/10/2008
Caption :
Kabul, ICRC delegation. Family members speak with their relatives via video-conference calls.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
Afghanistan: Video links between Bagram detainees and families
Between 600 and 650 people are currently detained in Bagram
Using equipment supplied by the US military authorities, the ICRC has set up a call centre on the premises of its delegation in Kabul. A similar center has been created at Bagram for the use of detainees. In the first three days since the launch of the programme, which is open to all families of persons detained at Bagram, over 60 families from around the country have been able to speak for 20 minutes to their loved ones. Each party to the call is able to see the other on a screen.
The ICRC has been present in Afghanistan since 1987. It has been visiting the US detention facility in Bagram since January 2002. As part of its humanitarian mandate, the ICRC helps individuals held in connection with the ongoing armed conflict to establish and maintain contact with their families. This is largely done through an exchange of "Red Cross messages", written messages to relatives made otherwise unreachable by conflict.
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
2912x4368
Orientation :
portrait
Colour/B&W :
colour
