Afghanistan is experiencing a humanitarian crisis as violence and insecurity have brought more suffering and internal displacement for thousands of Afghans. Over half a million internally displaced people in 2021 alone – and the number of people forced to flee continues to rise. This recent insecurity and displacement have prompted a humanitarian crisis for the Afghan people, who have already suffered more than 40 years of conflict, as well as increasing natural disasters, chronic poverty and food insecurity. Afghans already constitute one of the world’s largest refugee populations worldwide, with about three-quarters of Afghan refugees hosted in neighbouring Iran and Pakistan, with more than 2.2 million registered in the two countries. Another 3 million people were already displaced inside the country before new fighting broke out this year. The resilience of refugees, the internally displaced and host communities is being stretched to the absolute limit. Together with partners, UNHCR is committed to staying and delivering amidst the deteriorating situation and growing displacement as long as we have access to needy populations. We have activated our emergency response to protect the most vulnerable and assist newly displaced Afghans with life-saving shelter, food, water, and core relief items in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides international protection and assistance to the world’s refugees, stateless persons, asylum seekers, and in some instances, internally displaced persons. With the support of GAC and other donors, the project aims to provide assistance and protection to refugees, internally displaced persons and other persons of concern in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Project activities include: (1) providing shelter, clothing and other essential non-food items; (2) providing adequate water, sanitation and health services, including in reproductive health; (3) providing opportunities for education and livelihoods support; (4) providing protection, including against sexual and gender-based violence, child protection and working with governments to register asylum seekers and refugees, and help issue identity documents; (5) working with governments to support refugee self-reliance and forge peaceful relations between refugees and local citizens; and (6) expanding opportunities for durable solutions for people of concern.
