FLASH UPDATE:


Escalating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan


2021 has brought renewed challenges for the people of Afghanistan. For more than 40 years, Afghans have continued to flee violence, war, conflict and natural disasters, representing one of the largest, prolonged refugee situations in the world — and one of the biggest displacement crises in modern history.


Those still within Afghanistan are facing a deteriorating situation on the ground due to escalating conflict which is leading to increased suffering and displacement. More than 592,000 Afghans have been newly displaced inside the Central Asian country since the beginning of the year, and this number continues to grow..


Displaced civilians are facing other threats to their safety and livelihoods, from the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on major roads to reported interruptions to social services and a loss of income due to rising insecurity.


The needs among those who have fled within Afghanistan remain critical: food, shelter, water, medications, and money for rent. UNHCR is continuing to work with our partners to help newly displaced Afghans with essential services and supplies, including food rations, as well as hygiene and sanitary kits.


Currently, more than 90 per cent of Afghan refugees are hosted in Iran and Pakistan. As the situation remains highly volatile, UNHCR is working with authorities in neighbouring countries to plan and prepare for the potential movements of Afghan refugees if and when the need arises.


By the Numbers:


• 2.9 million estimated internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Afghanistan as of Dec. 31, 2020


• 2.2 million refugees and people seeking asylum from Afghanistan in neighbouring countries as of Dec. 31, 2020


• 16,500 estimated newly arrived Afghan refugees who approached UNHCR and partners in neighboring countries since Jan. 1, 2021


The needs in Afghanistan remain enormous with half the population requiring humanitarian assistance.


TIMELINE IN KEY EVENTS in 2021: May 31


More than 200,000 IDPs induced by conflict, have been recorded since Jan 2021


July 13


UNHCR warns of an imminent humanitarian crisis


July 15


UN warns of Afghan funding shortfall and deepening humanitarian crisis


August 6


Some 200 refugees cross from Nimroz province, Afghanistan, into Iran


August 13


UNHCR warns Afghanistan’s conflict is taking the heaviest toll on displaced women and children who make up 80% of the population of concern


August 31 Foreign troop withdrawal July 6 International troop


withdrawal largely complete July 14


UN increasingly concerned of abuses and violations alleged in Afghanistan


July 15


UNHCR provides support to more than 100,000 IDPs


August 9


Over 500,000 IDPs in Afghanistan recorded since Jan 2021


August 27


UNHCR, together with Partners, launched the Regional Preparedness and Response Plan for the projected needs of newly displaced Afghans


September 1


UNHCR provides support to more than 300,000 IDPs


Donor support remains vital in helping UNHCR provide lifesaving aid to the people of Afghanistan and host communities. Please give today at unhcr.ca/afghanistan


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© UNHCR/Edris Lutfi


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