Afghanistan facing humanitarian crises: IOM

KABUL (TOLO News): The International Organization for Migration reported that Afghanistan is one of the countries facing the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

The report noted that increased poverty, hunger, malnutrition, unemployment, cessation of aid, and lack of liquidity are challenges that Afghan citizens have faced for nearly three years.

The latest report from the International Organization for Migration on Afghanistan added: “Afghanistan remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. In 2024, an estimated 23.7 million people – more than half of Afghanistan’s population – are projected to require humanitarian assistance.”

The report also mentioned that consecutive droughts over the past three years and resulting floods in Afghanistan have had negative impacts.

According to the report, in 2023, about 21,000 people were affected by floods.

“Floods usually cause significant damage to the rural areas, destroying farms in the villages, reducing our yields, and affecting food security,” said Wasim Safi, CEO of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock.

The acting Minister of Economy also discussed with the heads of United Nations offices and funding agencies about improving work, coordination, and humanitarian and developmental aid in Afghanistan.

Abdul Rahman Habib, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said: “The acting Minister of Economy emphasized coordination and focus on priorities to improve the economic situation of the people, calling humanitarian aid a necessity under the current conditions.”

Economic analysts said discussions with donor institutions and aid agencies are beneficial for the country’s economic growth.

“Afghanistan is an untouched country where any economic movement can end up benefiting the country, so negotiations with donor institutions and aid agencies can accelerate economic growth,” said Abdul Zuhoor, an economic analyst.

“In the past three years, we have witnessed a contraction in GDP growth, and the decline in investment and economic activities has led to an increase in poverty and unemployment in the country,” said Siyar Quraishi, another economic analyst.

This year, the United Nations requested three billion dollars to assist the people of Afghanistan, of which only a small amount has been received so far.