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KABUL: UN humanitarians have warned that a harsh winter in Afghanistan is aggravating already severe conditions faced by millions across the country.
Heavy snowfall and rain have impacted many areas across Afghanistan, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
“Further snow and low temperatures are forecast in the coming days”, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the daily briefing for correspondents in New York.
An already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan worsened following the takeover by Taliban forces last August, and the subsequent suspension of aid, coupled with freezing of assets by many countries and international organisations.
Late last month, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution clearing the way for aid to reach Afghans in desperate need of basic support, while preventing funds from falling into the hands of the Taliban, a move welcomed by the head of OCHA as a “milestone” decision that will save lives.
Meanwhile, humanitarian partners are racing against time to deliver aid and supplies – in line with commitments to scale up operations.
“During December, our humanitarian partners have reached seven million people with relief food supplies across the country”, said Mr. Dujarric.
“Provision of winterization support, including cash and non-food items, is also under way in various parts of the country”.
In 2021, donors provided $1.5 billion for two humanitarian appeals, including $776 million of the $606 million required for the Flash Appeal launched in September by the Secretary-General, and $730 million of the $869 million sought in the Humanitarian Response Plan.
