Afghanistan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (April 2024)

Time Period 01/04/2024 to 30/04/2024.

Key Highlights

Some 156 (1) Humanitarian access incidents, a record showing a 22% drop from the same time last year and a 7% increase from the previous month(2), were reported by humanitarian partners in April 2024. The majority of access incidents in April accounted for ‘interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities,’ followed by ‘physical environment’ due to flash floods and snowfall. The humanitarian access incidents in April resulted in the temporary suspension of 107 projects. Of the total number, 50 incidents of interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities and 50 incidents of the physical environment resulted in the temporary suspension of 100 projects.

In April 2024, approximately 60% of the reported incidents involved 'Interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities' initiated by the de-facto authorities (DfA). These incidents primarily revolved around interference in programming, including attempts to influence beneficiary selection, staff recruitment, and pressure to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). There were also 16 instances of demands by DfA, including the Directorate of Monitoring Supreme Leader’s Decrees, for sensitive information, such as project and staff data. Moreover, there have been reports of pressure from the DfAs to participate in procurement activities in at least 8 provinces, as indicated in a letter from the Ministry of Economy(3).

April has seen the highest incidents of weather hazards in 2024, marked by flash floods and snowfalls. From 10 April to 30 April, 22,885 people were affected by natural disasters throughout Afghanistan. The natural disasters killed 40 people, injured 41, damaged 1,429 houses, and destroyed 447 houses. A total of 21 provinces out of 34 experienced some kind of natural disaster during the period. Western and Eastern regions, followed by Central Highlands, experienced the most cases of natural disaster. Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes, flooding, drought, landslides, and avalanches. Over three decades of conflict, coupled with environmental degradation and insufficient investment in disaster risk reduction strategies, have contributed to the increasing vulnerability of the Afghan people to cope with the sudden shock of natural disasters. On average, such disasters affect 200,000 people every year.(4)

Violence against humanitarian personnel, assets, and facilities experienced a notable 66% decrease, with only five incidents reported compared with 15 incidents in the previous month. This decline led to the arrest and detention of seven staff and two physical attacks against humanitarian workers. These incidents persistently disrupt the operational environment, where the safety and security of humanitarian personnel are at risk.

5 incidents of ‘restriction of movement of agencies, personnel, or goods within the affected country,’ where only one incident resulted in the temporary suspension of a program for a duration of up to 3 days in April 2024. The instances of movement restrictions on agencies, personnel, or goods within the county have decreased by 81% compared to the corresponding period last year. However, these restrictions have consistently remained low throughout 2024.

OCHA recently collaborated with humanitarian stakeholders and the de facto ministerial cabinets to host the fourth Technical Coordination Level Forum (TCLF). The primary goal of this forum was to foster discussions on collective humanitarian access priorities and operational barriers at the national level. Additionally, the forum aimed to establish a systematic and proactive approach to addressing these challenges. Building on national initiatives, OCHA has led the establishment of Provincial Humanitarian Forums (PCLF) in 19 provinces across Central, Western, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Northern regions. These forums mirror the structure and objectives of the TCLF and play a vital role in addressing localized humanitarian access issues and coordinating effective humanitarian response efforts.

(1). The access incidents are reported to the Access Monitoring and Reporting Framework (AMRF) either directly by humanitarian partners to OCHA or through the cluster coordinators and working group, DSS, and INSO. (2). The incidents referenced as ‘the previous month’ include late reporting, which impacts the percentage comparisons. Accordingly, the incidents reported in April are expected to increase in the coming months. (3). On 10 March, the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) issued a second letter to enforce their participation in the tendering process for both logistical and construction procurement activities. First, it was mentioned in the 22-clause directive to highlight the roles of Directors of Economy. (4). For more information, see https://response.reliefweb.int/afghanistan/natural-disasters-dashboard