This is what’s happening in Afghanistan, and how you can help

August 31, 2021

Have you been watching the news and heard of the alarming situation in Afghanistan?

We have, and we cannot but describe these times as traumatic and crucial. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned about the prevailing humanitarian needs within Afghanistan, and urges support to ensure that all those requiring assistance are not forgotten.

So here is everything you need to know.

First, we at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are deeply shocked by the brutal and senseless attack at Kabul International Airport on the evening of Thursday, 26 August. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the people of Afghanistan. This terrible attack will not break our resolve and our commitment to support the people of Afghanistan.

The human toll of spiraling hostilities in Afghanistan is immense. The United Nations Assistance Mission has warned that without a significant de-escalation in violence, Afghanistan is on course to witness the highest ever number of documented civilian casualties in a single year since the UN’s records began.

This year alone, over half a million people have been displaced within the country due to the devastating violence. But that number is likely to become much higher. This is in addition to over 5 million Afghans already displaced for more than four decades in their country and the region.

This means that the country is on the brink of a major humanitarian and displacement crisis.

To say the least, this is a time of uncertainty for the people of Afghanistan. UNHCR is concerned about the risk of human rights violations and uncertain futures, especially for women and girls.

The needs of the Afghan people are great, and growing every single day, especially that this displacement is compounded by other emergencies – less than 4% of Afghans are vaccinated against COVID-19, and the coming winter will impose additional hardship to those forced to flee their homes.

UNHCR is committed to providing assistance and protecting those who are fleeing the violence in fear for their lives and their loved ones.

UNHCR has been Responding to the most critical priorities, by providing:

  • Shelter
  • Core relief items (sleeping mats, blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets…)
  • Food
  • Hygiene and sanitary kits

and other lifesaving assistance to more than 230,000 people this year alone– and UNHCR teams are on the ground right now, restocking life-saving supplies to continue assisting families in need.

Together with partners, UNHCR remains operational in nearly two-thirds of districts in Afghanistan and are able to access all provinces.

Now you might be asking how you can help?

You can help us urgently scale up our supplies so that we are ready to respond as the situation unfolds. We are seeking emergency donations to ensure displaced Afghan families have access to safe shelter, emergency supplies, protection, cash assistance so they can buy essential items, COVID-19 prevention, and psychological care to recover from trauma. With a little more support now, we can reach more families in urgent need.

You can do so by donating via this link. Remember, no amount is too little, every donation counts.

We also rely on you to share with the world what is happening and widen the compassion circle with Afghan people through your family and friends.

Please help raise awareness about the cause by sharing this article you are reading on your social media using the hashtag #WithRefugees, or reposting our social media content that you can access on this link here.

The Afghan people have seen decades of displacement and violence. We need to reassure them they are not forgotten. We cannot let them down. Thank you for standing with them in their time of need.