The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan as the escalating conflict brings increased human suffering and civilian displacement.
“An estimated 270,000 Afghans have been newly displaced inside the country since January 2021 – primarily due to insecurity and violence – bringing the total uprooted population to over 3.5 million,” said Babar Baloch, UNHCR spokesperson on Friday’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Baloch said that the families in Afghanistan were forced to flee their homes in recent weeks citing the worsening security situation as the predominant reason for their flight.
“In addition to ongoing fighting, displaced civilians have told UNHCR and partners of incidents of extortion by non-state armed groups and the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on major roads. Many have reported interruptions to social services and a loss of income due to rising insecurity,” Baloch said.
Baloch said in his briefing that the number of civilian casualties has risen 29 per cent during the first quarter of this year compared to 2020, according to UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. An increasing proportion of women and children were among those targeted.
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The needs of those who have had to flee suddenly are acute. UNHCR and partners, as part of a coordinated response, are assisting newly displaced Afghans with emergency shelter, food, health, water and sanitation support and cash assistance, despite challenges in accessing vulnerable groups, Baloch said.
A failure to reach a peace agreement in Afghanistan and stem the current violence will lead to further displacement within the country, as well as to neighboring countries and beyond, he continued.
“Iran and Pakistan host nearly 90 per cent of displaced Afghans – more than two million registered Afghan refugees in total,” Baloch said.
Both countries have granted access to territory and protection to Afghan refugees, along with health and educational services through national systems. Their hospitality and inclusive policies, spanning decades and generations, must not be taken for granted, he continued.
“UNHCR welcomes the respective governments’ commitment to providing access to asylum amidst the global health and socio-economic challenges of COVID-19,” Baloch said. “ We stand ready to bolster humanitarian support to all host countries in the case of additional arrivals.”
UNHCR urged the international community to step up support to the Government and people of Afghanistan and its neighbors at this critical moment, in a spirit of solidarity and burden-sharing.
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