Afghanistan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (May 2023)

Time Period

01/05/2023 to 31/05/2023

Key Highlights

The operational environment remains to face significant challenges due to access constraints, with some 128 access incidents, that resulted in resulted in the temporary suspension of 38 humanitarian programs reported in the month of May 2023. Despite the slight decline (13 per cent) in access incidents from the previous month, a 15 per cent increase was recorded when compared to the same period last year, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by humanitarian actors in delivering aid effectively and efficiently. Addressing these access constraints is crucial to ensure that lifesaving assistance reaches the most vulnerable (making more than two thirds of the overall populations) in Afghanistan.

In May 2023, approximately 70 per cent of the incidents reported involved the 'Interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities" initiated by the de-facto authorities (DfA), leading to the temporary suspension of 31 programs. These incidents have significantly added to the existing challenges faced in Afghanistan, compounded by the considerable number of directives issued by the DfA since December 2021, amounting to at least 175, out of which 37 are specifically associated with restrictions on women participation in the response. The recent enforcement of the ban on women humanitarian staff has significantly heightened the complexity within an already challenging protection environment. As a consequence, the operational capabilities of partners have been further constrained. The incidents reported in May primarily revolve around interference in programming, encompassing various attempts to exert influence over beneficiary selection, staff recruitment, and vendor selection. Moreover, there have been instances of demands for sensitive information, including beneficiary and staff data, as well as requests to redesign programs, such as transitioning mobile health and nutrition teams to a static format. Additionally, concerning reports have emerged regarding the confiscation of humanitarian staff salaries by the DfAs in at least one province. Additionally, the cash and food suspension in Ghor province as a result of aid diversion remains in place, further deteriorating the humanitarian situation in the country.

16 incidents of ‘restriction of movement of agencies, personnel, or goods within the affected country’, where 19 percent resulted in the temporary suspension of programs for a duration of up to 24 days in May 2023. These incidents have had a significant impact on the freedom of movement required to reach affected populations and transport essential relief items. Among these incidents, 56 percent specifically involved restrictions imposed on the participation of women humanitarian staff in the humanitarian action, including instances where even international staff faced limitations on their engagement in one province. The participation of women humanitarian staff continued to be challenged, indicating ongoing barriers to their involvement in assessments, and thus delaying emergency response to flood affected population. Additionally, 32 percent of these incidents were attributed to the Department of Police and Security (DfPS), where incidents at checkpoints, and demands searches of personnel and vehicles have further hampered the smooth flow of humanitarian operations.

Humanitarian assistance was also adversely impacted by 13 incidents of ‘violence against humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities’, that resulted in the detention of 3 humanitarian staff, injury of 1 and damages to vehicle. The incidents involved threats, physical attack, looting and robbery of humanitarian staff and facilities.

Humanitarian assistance was further hindered by a total of 13 incidents characterized by ‘violence against humanitarian personnel, assets, and facilities’ in May 2023. These incidents had severe repercussions, including the detention of three humanitarian staff members, one reported injury, and damage inflicted upon a vehicle. The nature of these incidents ranged from explicit threats to physical attacks, as well as instances of looting and robbery targeting both humanitarian personnel and their facilities, clearly indicating the detrimental impacts it has on the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance as it not only the safety and well-being of humanitarian workers but also impede their ability to carry out their essential duties. For instance, a humanitarian staff was detained by DfA for providing services to female beneficiaries.

OCHA, in collaboration with humanitarian partners and through the Humanitarian Access Group and Regional Humanitarian Teams (RHTs) continues to engage with the DfAs to address access challenges and advocate on the importance of women’s participation in the humanitarian action, highlighting the unreplaceable roles women play in in aid delivery.