Afghanistan: War in Ukraine should not be an occasion to “forget” the humanitarian crisis in the country

THE war in Ukraine should not be an occasion to “forget” the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan“Where care and resources are needed,” the High Representative said in Kabul on Tuesday (15/3). UN for Refugees Philip Grady.

“All the attention of the people at the moment is focused on Ukraine,” Grady, who has been in the Afghan capital since Monday for a four-day visit, told AFP.

“But my message here is that we must not forget the other situations where attention and resources are needed, and Afghanistan is one of them,” he said.

“The risks of distraction are very high. THE humanitarian aid It must be promoted, regardless of the number of other crises in the world that compete with it in Afghanistan. “

Following the rise of the Taliban to power last August, Afghanistan plunged into a deep economic crisis. aggravating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation after four decades of conflict and recent droughts.

Hunger is currently threatening 23 million Afghans, or 55% of the population, according to the UN.

Afghan assets abroad have been frozen and international aid – which financed almost 75% of Afghanistan’s budget – is beginning to return gradually after being suspended for some time.

Last month, UN calls for $ 5 billion in single aidto prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.

The same HCR had appealed for $ 340 million for 2022 but has so far managed to raise almost $ 100 millionaccording to the High Commission.

“We have to push because the needs are the same today as in September,” said Philippe Grady, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.