UN chief to convene high-level humanitarian conference on situation in Afghanistan

The meeting will highlight the acute needs in the country and will underscore the urgent funding support and actions required by international partners to support the Afghan people during their time of need.

Afghanistan faces an extremely dire situation and is confronted with protracted conflict, severe drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic in a context where some 18 million Afghans – almost half of the population – were already in need of aid. More than 550,000 people have been displaced in the country since January 2021.

One in three Afghans is experiencing a crisis or emergency level of food insecurity, and more than half of the children under age 5 are at the brink of acute malnutrition. The severe drought is compounding the humanitarian crisis, and the upcoming winter conditions are expected to be harsh. (ILKHA)