“Two years since the change of authorities in Afghanistan a humanitarian tragedy is unfolding. The situation is driven by a devastating mix of food insecurity and climate change, funding cuts, operational restrictions, and the absence of effective diplomatic engagement.”
“An estimated 15.3 million Afghans are food insecure with acute malnutrition recorded above the emergency threshold in 25 out of 34 provinces. More than halfway through the year the humanitarian response plan targeting more than 21 million people is less than 25 percent funded.”
“The Afghan people need long-term sustainable solutions to end the humanitarian crisis. This must include efforts to promote greater economic stability including a functioning banking sector and connection to the international financial system. Without progress on the economy, including the resumption of long-term development assistance, sustainable solutions will never be achieved.”
“NRC urges the authorities in Afghanistan to uphold their obligations as duty bearers, towards all members of the population, including enabling unhindered and principled humanitarian access and education for women and girls. Further, NRC calls on the international community to sustain humanitarian funding to stabilise the crisis and to step-up diplomatic engagement to find constructive ways forward for Afghanistan as peoples' lives and futures depend on it.”
Notes to editors
- According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 15.3 million people face acute food insecurity, and 2.8 million people face emergency levels of food insecurity. Acute malnutrition is above emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 provinces in Afghanistan.
- Only 24.8% of the USD 3.23 billion requested to meet humanitarian needs in 2023 have been disbursed so far. (Source: OCHA Financial Tracking System)
- A report commissioned by NRC, published in April 2023, found that over-compliance and misconceptions about the scope of international sanctions have led to severe obstacles for the Afghan business community, including for businesses that import and export food and other essential goods.
- Photos from Afghanistan can be downloaded for free use here.
- B-roll is available here.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
- NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329.
