THE United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, called on Friday for a pause in the US-led air strikes against Afghanistan so vital aid could reach civilians before winter sets in. The former Irish president said a suspension of attacks would allow the world to focus on saving hundreds of thousands of people who would otherwise freeze or starve to death. ”We must have a pause to enable huge humanitarian access and allow a number of Afghan civilians to come across the borders. The borders at the moment are closed,” Robinson told Ireland’s state radio RTE. ”Winter effectively closes in on about November 15 and there is huge concern in all of the humanitarian agencies. ”We need massive access at the moment to the civilian population in Afghanistan and you cannot have access when there is military bombardment.” Robinson said the Afghan people had suffered from severe famine for more than three years. ”We have a window of opportunity between now and November 15 and we must have access to provide food supplies and shelter for the frightened, desperate people,” she said. – Sapa-AFP