Kabul, 5 November 2021 (TDI): António Vitorino, the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), concluded his two-day visit to Afghanistan yesterday. The official shared his concern for the future of Afghans for multiple reasons.
The Director-General stated that as winter approaches, there is a high risk of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan leading to devastating impacts. Those impacts include increased displacement, vulnerability, and suffering. He also warned about the risk of losing development gains over the past two decades.
Vitorino mentioned that the conflict and exacerbated poverty due to poor economic conditions, severe drought, and the Covid-19 pandemic collectively pushed Afghanistan to the brink of collapse.
INTERNALLY DISPLACED CITIZENS
Regarding the internally displaced individuals, Vitorino stated that five and a half million people are internally displaced, with more than 670,000 forced to leave their homes this year. According to him, 60% of the 670,000 people are children. He stated that essential aid must be provided to the mobile population in Kabul.
The mobile population includes internally displaced people, returnees, and under-served host communities. Vitorino agreed with the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres that the world is in a race against time. However, the race is to help Afghans to prepare for winter.
FOOD INSECURITY AND UNEMPLOYMENT
The IOM Director-General noted that more than half of the Afghan population is food insecure, with malnutrition on the rise, especially in children. The International Organization for Migration interviewed citizens, and over 80% of the citizens have no jobs. Vitorino also mentioned that millions of Afghans are living in inadequate shelters with limited access to sanitation and healthcare.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The Director-General stated that climate change has also hit Kabul, further contributing to the internal displacement. According to the IOM statistics, around 70% of the population has suffered the impacts of drought and flooding.
He warned about crop failure and economic collapse following the climate crisis in Afghanistan. Vitorino further maintained that inclusive and comprehensive measures are the best way to protect livelihoods. Those measures would also need to ensure access to essential services for conflict-affected communities across the state.
He also remarked that it is necessary to work with Afghans to reduce the risk of climate change, conflicts, and further disasters. According to Vitorino, the targeted initiatives to promote resilience and adaptability can mitigate the crisis.
IOM ACTIONS AND PLANS
Vitorino mentioned that the IOM team is now going ‘door to door’ to evaluate the needs of the Afghan population. He also stated that the Organization is providing warm clothing, shelter, blankets, and cash for fuel to the ones in need. According to Vitorino, IOM plans to reach 200,000 vulnerable individuals in the country.
The International Organization for Migration is already implementing transition, risk reduction, and early recovery programs across Afghanistan. These include critical infrastructure works to protect the citizens from floods and enhance the productivity of farmlands.
IOM’s Director-General also emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering Afghan women and girls since they are the nation’s future. He noted that the country would struggle to attain development and stability without equal representation of all individuals.
FINAL STATEMENT
Concluding his two-day visit to Afghanistan, Vitorino stated that the resilience of the Afghan people greatly impressed him. He commended the IOM fellows for assisting the Afghan population despite challenging circumstances.
António Vitorino reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to stand in solidarity with the Afghan people. He also urged the international community to do more for Afghanistan and make substantial efforts to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
International Relations student at the Universidad de Navarra in Spain. Main interests are the work of International Organizations like the UN in the scope of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable human beings and the environment
