World must deliver support to Afghans: UN refugee chief

UN news
Mar 17, 2022


Speaking from Kabul, at the end of a four-day visit to Afghanistan, Mr. Grandi said that he had met families “who do not know what they will eat for their next meal”.

Acknowledging that the world is “rightfully preoccupied with the war in Ukraine,” he pleaded for help with another humanitarian crisis.Mr. Grandi said the country is experiencing “a very grave crisis” and asked the international community to support Afghans both within the country and abroad.

Hunger and despair

“We spoke with...women heads of households afraid for the health and well-being of their children; mothers and fathers desperate to provide for their families,” the head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said. “The needs here are enormous.”

Recent reports revealed that a staggering 95 per cent of Afghans are not getting enough to eat, a number that jumped to almost 100 per cent in female-headed households.

Mr. Grandi arrived in Afghanistan on Monday and met with the interim Afghan Government as well as others who continue to provide vital live-saving assistance throughout the country.