“The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan is intensifying humanitarian needs and increasing displacement risks both inside the country, as well as across borders to countries in the region”, according to a statement issued by Ugochi Daniels, the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Deputy Director-General for Operations.

As the country teeters on the brink of systemic collapse, more than half the Afghan population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance. 

“Nearly all Afghans have now plunged into poverty”, Mr. Daniels said.

Displacement likely to continue

IOM explained that last year, Afghans increasingly crossed the border into Iran and Pakistan, describing it as a trend that is likely to continue in the coming months.

The UN agency warned that as needs continue to grow, failure to sustain and improve access to essential services, restore livelihoods, and effectively address the vulnerabilities of populations affected by the crisis, will cause a surge in displacement and migration.

To respond to the urgent humanitarian and protection needs of more than 3.6 million people in the conflict-stricken country, IOM is appealing for $589 million.

Without the funding to support a response – encompassing rapid humanitarian action and mid-to longer-term development planning – economic and social conditions in Afghanistan will continue to spiral downwards.

Moreover, it would further risk wiping out any development gains made over the past 20 years, Mr. Daniels warned.

Scaling up aid

Between August and December last year, IOM had scaled up its operational capacities to reach more than 600,000 people in Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Today, the UN agency – the second largest provider of emergency shelter and non-food items in the country – is currently working to help displaced populations manage the freezing winter temperatures. 

IOM also administers key reception and transit centers along the borders and provides healthcare in 12 provinces, including COVID-19 vaccinations. (ILKHA)