United Nations published this video item, entitled “Afghanistan: ‘1/2 population in humanitarian need’ – Press Conference (15 July 2021)” – below is their description.
Press conference by Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan on the situation in the country.
One third of Afghans are experiencing acute malnutrition, while half of the population is in humanitarian need, the UN top official in the country said on Thursday (15 Jul), calling for more funds to aid Afghanistan’s population.
“As we went into the year, we have experienced two specific issues,” Ramiz Alakbarov, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan: told New York based reporters in a virtual briefing. “
One of the issues is a second drought that has hit Afghanistan in the last three years “and the gradual military takeover by the Taliban of more than 170 districts,” causing “large displacements,” according to Alakbarov.
“We have 270,000 homeless people which have moved internally from the rural areas towards the urban centers, regional centers,” said Alakbarov. “We are witnessing, also the deportations and removal, mostly from Iran of large numbers of Afghans.”
The situation in Afghanistan is also becoming more dangerous for the humanitarian workers, who find themselves more and more targeted by violence.
“There is a 30 percent increase in incidents affecting humanitarian workers. 35 humanitarians since the beginning of the year have been killed, 63 injured,” Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said.
The humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan for this year – USD 1.3 billion – is only 37 percent funded.
“Our plan is to provide assistance to at least 15.7 million people. And right now, it will not be possible without additional contributions,” Alakbarov said.
United Nations YouTube Channel
Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.
