Afghanistan: Humanitarian Update, August 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

World Humanitarian Day: A Call to Protect and Support Those on the Frontlines
Pg. 01
The Cost of Inaction: Millions of Lives at Risk Due to Funding Shortfalls in Afghanistan
Pg. 02
Climate Change and Resilience: Jamina Faizi’s Journey in Afghan Agriculture
Pg. 03

World Humanitarian Day: A call to protect and support those on the frontlines

World Humanitarian Day (WHD), observed annually on 19 August, is dedicated to honouring humanitarian workers who devote their lives to assisting others in the most challenging circumstances. The date marks the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, where 22 relief workers tragically lost their lives.

2023 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers globally, primarily due to the hostilities in Gaza but also due to intensified violence in Sudan and South Sudan. In total, 595 aid workers were affected, 280 humanitarians killed, 224 injured, and 91 kidnapped – the majority national staff. Regrettably, 2024 is on track to be even worse.

This year's WHD theme was "Act for Humanity," which emphasizes the urgent need to protect humanitarians and the civilians they serve in light of the normalization of attacks on aid workers and the impunity surrounding violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). To highlight this, the global humanitarian community participated in a symbolic walkout, stepping out of their offices with placards bearing key messages like #ActForHumanity and #NotATarget to remind Member States and conflict parties of their moral and legal obligations to protect humanitarian workers and civilians.

In Afghanistan, WHD commemorated the bravery and dedication of over 35,000 humanitarians who operate in some of the country's most remote and challenging areas, providing essential services including education, demining, food assistance, healthcare, protection, psychosocial support, and community outreach. Their efforts are crucial in delivering comprehensive care to those in desperate need.

In 2023, aid workers were able to reach 32.1 million people thanks to the generous support of donors. In 2024, they intend to support 17.3 million people. However, as of August, the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 25 percent funded, with a US $2.30 billion gap. This funding shortfall has already disrupted the delivery of life-saving assistance and essential services to the population in need, with programmes under threat of closure as a result of the resourcing shortfall.

World Humanitarian Day serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and bravery of aid workers in Afghanistan and around the world. Their work is vital for millions of people facing crises. As we honor their efforts, let us also recognize that their mission continues. Sustained support is crucial for ensuring that humanitarian work can persist and provide hope amid adversity. This World Humanitarian Day, stand with aid workers and support their mission. Together, we can make a difference.

The cost of inaction: Millions of lives at risk due to funding shortfalls in Afghanistan

As of end-August, the 2024 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) is severely underfunded, having received only US $755 million, around 25 per cent of the initial request. This shortfall comes at a time when 23.7 million people need humanitarian assistance and the country is grappling with stubbornly high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, widespread explosive ordnance contamination, flooding events, disease outbreaks and the effects of climate change.

Currently, 12.4 million people in Afghanistan are food insecure, including 2.9 million people experiencing emergency levels of hunger — what is otherwise referred to as Integrated Phase Classification 4. Some 6.3 million people are internally displaced and living in precarious and sub-standard conditions without access to adequate shelter or essential services. Additionally, 3.4 million people live within 1 km of explosive ordnance, posing a constant threat to their safety and 1.4 million teenage girls are out of school due to the ban on secondary education, depriving them of their right to learn.

Impact of funding gaps

The lack of funding has devastated critical life-saving programmes, leading to the reduction or discontinuation of essential services. More than 180 static and mobile health facilities serving 2.1 million people in underserved areas have been discontinued, while 150 mobile health and nutrition teams have been shut down, with 40 more at risk of closure. As a result, 700,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition lack access to vital treatment, including 27,600 children who need inpatient care. Moreover, 1.3 million children under five and 470,000 pregnant and lactating women have also been affected.

Looking at the longer-term, over 7,300 families affected by flooding have not received assistance to repair or rebuild their homes and are consequently living in squalid conditions which pose additional health and protection concerns. Similarly, 25,000 households impacted by the October 2023 Herat earthquakes lack support for reconstruction. Nearly half of all returnee families need urgent shelter assistance. Food aid has been scaled down from 6.4 million beneficiaries to just 1.2 million per month, leading to the exclusion of entire districts from assistance. This reduction is also affecting programmes aimed at preventing malnutrition in children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

More than 100,000 women and girls have gone without dignity kits due to redirected funds. Child protection services have reached only 20 per cent of their target, leaving 898,000 children and caregivers without crucial support. Critical mine clearance and victim assistance programmes face imminent closure. Additionally, only 4 out of 26 partners have the capacity to respond to acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and cholera cases in hotspot provinces, leaving 234,000 people across 13 provinces unreached due to a lack of resources.[1]

The cost of inaction

If the funding gap is not addressed, the situation will deteriorate further with potentially devastating consequences. More than six million people will lose access to life-saving health services, and about five million children will face an increased risk of infectious diseases due to a lack of clean water and hygiene. Nearly 4.5 million people will be unable to access protection services, including legal assistance and psychosocial support. Over 2.6 million children and their parents will miss out on critical child protection activities. The closure of mine clearance programmes will endanger the lives of 3.4 million people living near explosive ordnance.

Additionally, 2.1 million children under five and 700,000 pregnant and lactating women will remain at high risk of malnutrition-related illnesses and deaths. About 1.7 million people will be exposed to increased protection risks and harsh weather due to substandard shelter. More than 1.4 million mothers and their children will no longer receive specialized food to prevent malnutrition. Furthermore, 50,000 female-headed households will lose the ability to produce vegetables, further compromising their families' diets.[2]

Afghanistan’s humanitarian response is at breaking point with the consequences of inaction dire. It is imperative that the international community steps up to close the funding gap and provide the necessary resources to prevent further suffering. Without timely and sufficient funding, millions of lives will be at risk and the fragile progress made in recent years could be undone. This is the time to act.

Climate change and resilience: Jamina Faizi’s journey in Afghan agriculture[3]

As climate change intensifies, farmers around the globe face increasing challenges. This is particularly critical in Afghanistan, where agriculture is not only vital for survival but also deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

Jamina Faizi, a 25-year-old farmer from Andkhoy District, Faryab Province embodies the spirit of resilience. She reflects on her experiences: "For the past three years, I have cultivated my farmland with determination and resilience, despite the numerous challenges I face."

A mother of four — one boy and three girls — Jamina works tirelessly to support her family. She grows a variety of crops, including tomatoes, eggplants, scallions, okra, melons and watermelons. She also raises chickens to sustain her children’s livelihood.

Despite her hard work, Jamina grapples with the harsh realities of climate change: "The scorching heat has taken a toll on my farm, leading to the loss of poultry and damaging my crops." Yet, she remains resolute: "Despite these setbacks, I am determined to overcome these obstacles."

In response to these challenges, Jamina has adapted her farming practices by planting in-season crops and exploring ways to mitigate the effects of shifting weather patterns. She highlights the critical need for water availability and advocates for women’s empowerment through education and training in sustainable farming practices. Building support groups where women can share knowledge and experiences is also a key part of her strategy.

Jamina believes government support is crucial for improving her farming practices: "With the right support from our government, I believe I can not only enhance my farm but also uplift my community," she asserts.

She also seeks to engage donors to help implement sustainable farming practices, improve water management and empower women in agriculture. "If I receive support to improve my farming, I can extend that benefit to my family, neighbors, and society," Jamina says.

Jamina Faizi’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Afghan farmers facing climate change. Her adaptive approach is crucial not only for her own family’s livelihood but also for the broader agricultural community in Afghanistan. By embracing in-season crops and advocating for improved water management, Jamina is taking vital steps to counter the adverse effects of climate change.

"Support from the government and potential donors is essential for addressing these challenges," she emphasizes. Additionally, promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture is a key focus: "Women play a vital role in farming. Supporting our work leads to improved productivity and sustainable practices."

Jamina’s optimism reflects a hopeful vision for Afghanistan’s agricultural sector. She believes that with a commitment to sustainable practices and engagement with donors, a more resilient agricultural system can be built.

Jamina’s journey inspires: "With determination, support and innovative thinking, we can work towards a more prosperous future despite the daunting challenges posed by climate change." Her story aligns with global initiatives to support rural communities and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

1. Afghanistan Critical Funding Gaps (June 2024). (2024b, June 15). OCHA. https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-critical-funding-gaps-june-2024
2. Afghanistan: The Cost of Inaction (June 2024). (2024, June 10). OCHA. https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/afghanistan/afghanistan-cost-inaction-june-2024
3. This article was produced with the support of OCHA Afghanistan colleagues at the sub-national level, Nova Ratnanto and Ahmad Jawed Musleh.