The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partners made a humanitarian appeal at a briefing in Geneva - $4.62 billion is needed to help Afghans in 2023, the UN website said.
“Afghanistan is currently experiencing one of the largest and most severe humanitarian crises in the world. A record 28.3 million people – about two-thirds of the population, including women and girls – are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. The needs are further exacerbated by recent restrictions on women, including a ban on employment in non-governmental organizations.
Reportedly, the financial support for Afghans remains critical to prevent hunger, disease, malnutrition and death. A similar funding appeal for 2022 was only 52% funded, receiving $321 million of the $623 million needed. In addition, the briefing announced a $13 million regional plan to support Afghan refugees and host families in neighboring countries.
“The 2023 Afghan Regional Refugee Response Plan provides $613 million to support displaced Afghans living in five neighboring countries: Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. About 8.2 million Afghans live in these countries, including more than two million registered refugees. Many of them have been in the region for decades, mainly in Iran and Pakistan,” the UN said.
Since 2021, 1.6 million Afghan refugees have arrived in Central Asia. More than 70% of those in need of support are women and children.
