Key messages
• The provision of protection, shelter and livelihood opportunities to displaced people and the most vulnerable returning refugees must be sustained.
• It is vital to advocate for safe access to people in need so that humanitarian workers can deliver assistance in a context of insecurity which has made several parts of the country inaccessible for humanitarian organizations.
• The resilience of Afghans to recurrent natural hazards must be increased.
Humanitarian situation and needs
Background and Situation in Country The level of insecurity linked to the over three-decade-old conflict in Afghanistan continues to increase as fighting continues between government forces and armed opposition groups. The planned withdrawal of the international forces by 2014 may lead to a further deterioration in the security situation. Civilians will inevitably bear the brunt of these heightened confrontations.