The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has worsened, making it one of the world’s most critical crises. Over two-thirds of the population, approximately 28.8 million people, now require urgent humanitarian assistance.
The Taliban bans on women working for international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as the UN have added complexity to an already challenging protection environment.
To address the evolving conditions, according to OCHA, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) was revised in May. The HRP Revision aims to reassess planning assumptions and adapt the response accordingly. This includes prioritizing unmet needs for the remaining seven months of the year and introducing strategic shifts in response approaches and delivery methods to navigate the current operational space.
Humanitarian organizations estimate that $2.26 billion is needed between June and December 2023 to provide essential multi-sectoral assistance to 20 million people.
Despite ongoing funding shortages, significant efforts have been made by the humanitarian community. In the first five months of the year, over 17.3 million individuals received at least one round of aid, with a total expenditure of $942 million, including funds carried over from 2022.
Looking ahead, OCHA says, humanitarian organizations collectively aim to assist a total of 22.3 million people throughout 2023, including those who have already received aid in the first half of the year. Achieving this goal requires a budget of $3.2 billion. Of this amount, $2.26 billion is urgently required for the period from June to December, in addition to the $942 million already spent from January to May.
The challenging circumstances in Afghanistan demand immediate and sustained international support to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Afghan population.
However, funding shortfalls and the complex operational environment hinder the efforts of humanitarian organizations. Urgent action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and ensure that vulnerable communities receive life-saving aid.
The international community and humanitarian partners are called upon to join forces and mobilize the necessary resources to alleviate the suffering of millions of Afghans affected by this prolonged crisis. Continued attention and assistance are crucial to mitigate the impact of the crisis and provide essential support to those in need.
