UN seeks $606m to bring relief to 11m Afghans

KABUL (Pajhwok): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the international community to join him in Geneva, in person and virtually, on Monday to express solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and pledge tangible support to address their critical humanitarian needs.

The UN chief said Afghanistan’s children, women and men have faced decades of conflict and deprivation and recent developments have increased their vulnerability.

A severe drought is ruining the upcoming harvest and hunger is rising, he said, adding the economy is grinding to a halt with cash in short supply besides concern for the rights of women and girls is rising.

He said Afghans urgently need food, medicine, health services, safe water, sanitation, and protection.

Guterres said UN agencies and non-governmental partners have launched a Flash Appeal seeking US$606 million for the remainder of the year to bring vital relief to 11 million people.

International and Afghan humanitarian organizations are on the ground and can deliver in a rapidly changing context. They need fast and flexible funding and sustained access into and around Afghanistan and all aid workers, including women, must be assured of their safety and freedom of movement.

Swift action and support from the international community is vital to ensure humanitarians can rapidly provide basic and essential services for the Afghan people. That is the objective of the High-level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan.

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