Geneva, 6 December 2021 (TDI): United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) launched a global fundraising winter campaign. The global fundraising winter campaign will help displaced families in Afghanistan to cope with the most life-threatening months of the year.
UNHCR spokesperson, Babar Baloch, described humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan as “a crisis of hunger and starvation”. There are “truly unprecedented levels” of hunger in Afghanistan. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) called for avoiding widespread starvation as an immediate priority.
“People don’t have enough to eat, and it’s very visible”. —unhcr spokesperson
Lack of shelter
Babar Baloch on his return from Kabul mentioned there is a lack of shelters along with warm clothes. Moreover, there is insufficient food. Furthermore, the medical supplies are not enough. There are deprivations faced by people who have been forcibly displaced.
In winters, with temperatures expected to drop to -25 C, the displaced families lack proper shelter. This is a primary requirement if they have to survive the bitter cold.
3.5 million people in need
About 3.5 million people are displaced by conflict inside Afghanistan. UNHCR called for increasing support for these people.
According to Babar Baloch, nearly 23 million people are facing extreme levels of hunger. This is 55 percent of the population. Moreover nine million are at risk of famine.
From mid-August, UNHCR has assisted some 700,000 displaced people across the country. Moreover, the UN agency is helping nearly 60,000 people every week.
UNHCR spokesperson mentioned that Afghanistan is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
UNHCR appeal for more support over winter
The UNHCR spokesperson noted that the agency’s teams have delivered relief supplies. These were delivered via road through Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and humanitarian flights. Moreover, five more flights carrying winter supplies are scheduled for next week.
Babar Baloch mentioned that support to cope with the extreme conditions will continue until February. It will include core relief items, for instance, thermal blankets and warm winter clothing. Moreover, shelters are also being repaired. Furthermore vulnerable families are receiving cash assistance.
Babar Baloch thanked Government and private donors for their support to UNHCR efforts to aid and to protect vulnerable families during the winter months. However, he added that a further $374.9 million was urgently needed. It will boost UNHCR’s assistance to Afghanistan next year, particularly, over winter.
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