Afghanistan: "people continue to face extreme hardship and uncertainty" - UN Humanitarian chief

The UN Humanitarian Affairs chief, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council that “the people in Afghanistan continue to face extreme hardship and uncertainty”, with close to 19 million people facing acute levels of food insecurity, including 6 million people at risk of famine. Addressing the Council today (29 Aug), the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator said that more than half the population – some 24 million people – need humanitarian assistance and an estimated 3 million children are acutely malnourished. The number includes over 1 million children estimated to be suffering from the most severe, life-threatening form of malnutrition. According to Griffiths, “without specialized treatment, these children could die.” For the Humanitarian Affairs chief, “Afghanistan’s crisis is a humanitarian crisis, but it’s not only that. It’s an economic crisis. It’s a climate crisis. It’s a hunger crisis. It’s a financial crisis. But it’s not a hopeless crisis.” Griffiths also believes that “Afghanistan’s de facto authorities must do their part.” The Under-Secretary-General said that “bureaucratic interferences and procedures slow down humanitarian assistance when it is needed most” and “female humanitarian aid workers – both national and international – must be allowed to work unhindered and securely.” “And girls must be allowed to continue their education. There are many musts, Mr. President, but there are many opportunities. The path is clear. The people of Afghanistan have shown incredible resilience over the decades and in this last year. Our task is to help them to prosper, to flourish and to be safe”, concluded Griffiths.


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