Afghanistan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (July 2024)

Key Highlights

The operational environment in Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges due to access constraints. In July 2024, 106 access incidents were reported, leading to a temporary suspension of 59 humanitarian projects. Despite the decline (37 per cent) in access incidents from the same period last year, a 39 per cent increase was recorded when compared to the previous month, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by humanitarian actors in delivering aid effectively and efficiently. The Western, Southern, and Central regions experienced the highest number of access issues. The most common incidents recorded were “Interference in humanitarian activities”, “Physical environment issues” and “Violence against humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities”.

In July, 73 per cent of the incidents reported involved the 'Interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities” by the de-facto authorities (DfA), leading to a temporary suspension of 37 projects. These incidents primarily involved attempts to influence beneficiary selection and procurement processes as well as demands for sensitive information, including beneficiary and staff data. Delays in signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also reported.

Delivery of humanitarian assistance was also adversely impacted by 14 incidents of physical environment reported in six provinces in July, resulting in a temporary suspension of 13 projects. In 2024, natural disasters, including flash floods and snowfalls, have created severe access challenges all over the country. From January to July, 165,763 people were affected by natural disasters throughout Afghanistan, resulting in 507 deaths, 799 injuries, damage to 13,135 houses, and destruction of 6,127 houses.

In July, 20 out of 106 reported incidents had gender-related aspect. These included restrictions on women's involvement in assessments and their presence at distribution sites, bans on female participation and threats against female aid workers. These incidents disrupted the delivery of essential services to targeted female beneficiaries and compromised the safety of female aid workers.

Humanitarian operations were further hindered by seven incidents involving "Violence against humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities" in July. These incidents had severe repercussions, including the detention of 10 humanitarian staff members. These incidents, which range from physical attacks to threats against humanitarian workers and facilities, clearly demonstrate the detrimental impacts on the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. They not only jeopardize the safety and well-being of humanitarian workers but also hinder their ability to perform their critical duties. For instance, a humanitarian worker was reportedly detained by the DfA for delivering services to female beneficiaries, while five others were detained during the DfA visit to their offices.

In 2024, the DfA issued a total of 72 directives that have significantly impacted the humanitarian response in Afghanistan. In July alone, 10 directives were issued in various regions, including the Southern, Southeastern, Northeastern, and Central Highlands areas. The majority of these directives were aimed at reinforcing existing procedures. The issuing authorities primarily included the Directorate of Economy (seven directives), followed by the Directorate of Public Health (two directives) and the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (one directive).