The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has warned that Afghanistan is facing the highest risk of famine in 25 years as funding for humanitarian operations runs dry.
“Afghanistan at highest risk of famine in 25 years as funding runs dry,” UNOCHA said on Sunday.
In a report published on April 13, the UN body underscores the need for urgent action on the crisis.
“With nearly 20 million people facing severe hunger – six million of them one step away from famine – Afghanistan faces a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe unless urgent funding is secured. The number of people facing potential famine is presently among the highest in the world,” the report states.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the UN and other organisations have repeatedly complained about not receiving the required funds.
According to the UN, about six million people in Afghanistan are facing emergency levels of food insecurity, and they are just one step away from famine. The United Nations is seeking US$4.6 billion for humanitarian operations in Afghanistan in 2023, but it received a mere US$250 million just over 5.4% of the total funding required.
