The recent escalation along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, losing their livelihoods and access to essential services.
Whilst international attention remains focused elsewhere, in Afghanistan more than 16,000 families have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of February due to the intensification of fighting in the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar and Paktika. These are mainly rural communities that depend on farming and livestock rearing and have been forced to abandon their land, livestock and homes due to the attacks.
Today, these families are living in extremely precarious conditions, often taken in by temporary shelters or by local communities that are already vulnerable. “The most urgent needs are for safe shelter and food,” says one of our staff members in the country. “Many families arrived with nothing: they had to leave everything behind suddenly, without being able to take any supplies or means of subsistence with them. This makes them extremely vulnerable and dependent on humanitarian aid.”
Services under pressure
Although markets in the main cities remain open, the massive influx of displaced people is placing a heavy strain on available resources, particularly food supplies. Access to basic necessities is becoming increasingly limited, especially for families with no income.
The healthcare system, already under strain, is also under pressure. Recent bombings and clashes have caused numerous civilian casualties, increasing the need for emergency medical care. Attacks on healthcare facilities have further compromised access to treatment: a case in point is the airstrike in mid-March that severely damaged the addiction rehabilitation centre in Kabul, drastically reducing the availability of specialist services.
Water and electricity are generally still available in the cities, but frequent outages are reported in areas affected by the conflict.
The most vulnerable groups
As is often the case in humanitarian crises, it is the most vulnerable groups who pay the highest price. “Women and children are particularly at risk during displacement: they face greater risks relating to protection, loss of access to education and essential healthcare services. People with disabilities and the elderly also face enormous difficulties both in fleeing and in accessing aid”, explains our field worker in Afghanistan.
The ongoing displacement also increases the risks of violence and exploitation.
WeWorld has been working in Afghanistan for over 20 years supporting vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women and children, who are severely affected by multiple crises, including conflict, food insecurity and earthquakes.
Over the years, we have launched emergency responses, distributing essential items such as blankets, hygiene kits and materials for temporary shelter. At the same time, we run programmes to tackle food insecurity and strengthen community resilience through food assistance, direct financial support and initiatives to prepare for natural disasters, including earthquakes and other environmental emergencies.
Thanks to our collaboration with local partners and the support of international donors, we continue to provide vital support where the needs are most urgent, helping to ensure protection and support for the most vulnerable Afghan families.
