UN unveils engagement framework to help Afghans

KABUL/GENEVA (Pajhwok):  The UN team in Afghanistan has announced the launch of a Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF) to assist Afghans in 2022.

The TEF is an overarching strategic planning document, ensuring the coordination of the UN team’s work to reduce the suffering of the Afghans.

The TEF seeks to save lives, sustain essential services, such as health and education, and preserve essential community systems, a statement from the world body said on Thursday.

The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan said: “This UN system-wide strategy will help ensure that Afghans can meet their basic human needs.”

Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov added that acting on it was more important than ever to avoid that an even wider proportion of the population required lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

“It’s especially important now as millions are suffering from the harsh winter months, and we thank the international community for stepping up their vital support to the Afghan population.”

The $8billion required to implement this UN-wide framework includes the $4.44 billion previously requested through the Humanitarian Response Plan, launched on 11 January, since all activities in the TEF complement one another and are interdependent.

While the HRP aims to deliver life-saving assistance to 22.1 million people through the TEF, the UN requires an additional $3.6 billion in immediate funding to sustain essential social services, with specific emphasis on the socio-economic needs of women and girls.

“The UN is grateful to all donors for their continued generous support of relief and recovery efforts in Afghanistan, demonstrating the strong solidarity of the international community with the people of Afghanistan,” Dr. Alakbarov said, launching the TEF in Kabul with UN team representatives and members of the international community.

The European Union recently announced 268 million euros ($302 million) to meet the basic human needs of the Afghans.

Key contributions also include $308 million from the US as well as continued support from the UK, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea and other donors.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $405 million in grants to support food security and sustain delivery of essential health and education services, while the World Bank (WB) and the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) donors approved first transfer of $280 million in support of delivery of essential services.

Staying and delivering at the grassroots level across Afghanistan, the UN and partners would continue to meet humanitarian and basic human needs of Afghans, in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2615 adopted in December 2021.

Alakbarov said: “With the world coming together in aid of the resilient Afghans, adherence to the principles of equity, transparency and accountability inscribed in TEF will work towards restoring hope and dignity for all Afghans.”

pr/mud