World must deliver support to Afghans: UN refugee chief |
Speaking from Kabul, at the end of a four-day visit to Afghanistan, Grandi said he had met families who “didn’t know what they were going to have for their next meal.”
Acknowledging that the world was “rightfully preoccupied with the war in Ukraine,” he pleaded for help in another humanitarian crisis.
Mr. Grandi said the country was going through “a serious crisis” and ask the international community to support Afghans both at home and abroad.
Hunger and despair
“We talked to … female householders who are concerned about the health and well-being of their children; desperate mothers and fathers must provide for their families,” said the head of the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, speak. “The demand here is huge.”
Recent reports revealed that an incredible 95% of Afghans do not have enough to eata number that has skyrocketed to nearly 100% in women-headed households.
Mr. Grandi arrived in Afghanistan on Monday and met with the Afghan Interim Government and others who continue to provide vital life-saving assistance around the country.
He repeats UNHCRunwavering commitment of “stay and deliver humanitarian aid.”
The UN Refugee Agency has been in Afghanistan for four decades providing emergency assistance and assistance to displaced and returned Afghans.
During his visit, the head of the UNCHR aimed to assess progress and discuss humanitarian challenges, particularly for those displaced or returning to their communities.
Support to survive the winter
Since the beginning of the year UN agency has helped more than 500,000 Afghans through assistance and relief programs – including more than 130,000 winter survivors and more than 370,000 people benefiting from health centres, schools, water systems and other infrastructure.
Mr. Grandi also visited sites built by UNHCR, including a medical center in Kandahar and a girls’ school in Jalalabad.
“About 3.4 million people are internally displaced due to conflictThe health care system is severely underfunded amid the COVID crisis and the measles outbreak, with key workers in critical services such as schools and hospitals without pay, while the crisis continues. liquidity crisis, rising global food and energy costs are having a severe impact,” he wrote. outside.
“Overall, 24 million people across Afghanistan requested humanitarian assistance this year, and we are calling on donors to fund a major humanitarian effort.”
Build trust
Stressing the need for “long-term economic and political stability,” Grandi reiterated the importance of the international community, noting that “humanitarian approaches alone will not be enough.” .
He stressed the need to revitalize Afghanistan’s banking system and economy while also resuming development projects to “lay the groundwork” for displaced Afghans and refugees to consider returning. voluntarily “when conditions permit.”
The head of UNHCR said that he had reminded the authorities of the need to build trust and ensure the rights of Afghans.
“The best way to [build trust] is to ensure that all Afghans, including minorities, men, women, girls and boys, can exercise their rights and have access to work and services on equal basis,” he stressed.
Humane response
Turning to funding, Mr. Grandi reminded that “without the support of the UN and the work of our partners, the hardships he witnessed this week in Jalalabad, Kandahar and Kabul would have grown increasingly larger.” increase”.
Agencies working in Afghanistan urgently request $4.44 billion Under Humanitarian response plan (HRP) to meet the essential needs of 22 million Afghans and prevent hunger, disease, malnutrition, death and displacement.
In addition, under UN Transitional Participation Framework (TEF), agencies need an additional $3.6 billion to maintain essential social programs for 38 million residents.
Although UNHCR alone has requested $340.3 million to support its response to displaced people and other vulnerable Afghans, it is currently only 28% funded, with $97 million la have received so far.
“The demand is really great, but so are the opportunities,” said Mr. Grandi.
“It is now up to The international community promotes and helps resilient Afghans so that they can make the most of their potential,” he concluded.
On March 31, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, Germany and Qatar will co-host the international organization commitment conference to support humanitarian responses.