Afghanistan Emergency Appeal

Afghanistan is facing a major humanitarian crisis  with extremely high levels of hunger, poverty, unemployment and malnutrition. More than 29 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian aid. 

Political instability in the country, as well as natural disasters have resulted in the collapse of basic services for Afghan civilians. Millions of lives are at stake, and children are already dying of hunger.

The recent deadly earthquakes in Afghanistan have  contributed to the dire situation in Afghanistan. The earthquakes, which struck this autumn, have destroyed people’s homes and livelihoods, and left around 40, 000 people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. 

To make matters even worse, over 450, 000 Afghans have crossed from Pakistan into Afghanistan  after the government of Pakistan announced that undocumented foreigners must leave the country. They are highly vulnerable and many lack shelter, food and water, and face an uncertain future. 

Earthquakes have crippled the country

Four deadly earthquakes of 6.3, 6.4 and 4.7 magnitude hit Afghanistan this autumn, taking the lives of more than 2,000 people so far,  leaving thousands injured and destroying homes. 

The earthquakes struck 40km northwest of the city of Herat in Afghanistan. 

It is estimated that more than 40,000 people across Herat province have been affected, as homes and buildings were destroyed. Many people have lost their loved ones and livelihoods amid the earthquakes and are considered to be highly vulnerable. 

 Islamic Relief’s response to the Earthquakes

Islamic Relief are on the ground responding to the disaster. Our Islamic Relief Afghanistan Health team based in Herat have travelled to the earthquake affected area to provide primary health assistance, medicine and counselling . We are conducting needs assessments and working closely with other responders and INGO’s to explore joint response opportunities.

Our teams will be providing health services, distributing tents, non-food items and cash vouchers to those most affected.

Tens of thousands of people are arriving in Afghanistan each day

In mid-September the government of Pakistan announced that undocumented foreigners must leave the country or face deportation – a decision expected to impact around 1.7 million of the 4.4 million Afghan refugees in the country. Since then, more than 450, 000 Afghans have crossed from Pakistan into Afghanistan.

People are undergoing an extremely tough journey from all over Pakistan and many are arriving in Afghanistan in terrible conditions, without anywhere to live and without food, money, water and sanitation facilities. With winter approaching, they will soon be exposed to freezing sub-zero temperatures.

An influx of up to 1.7 million people will put a huge further  strain on Afghanistan. 

Islamic Relief is on the ground 

Our teams in Afghanistan are supporting 4, 000 new arrivals in Afghanistan staying in transit camps. We are providing them with aid such as food, healthcare and hygiene items.

The return of Afghan nationals is anticipated to extend into 2024. Islamic Relief Pakistan is planning a longer-term response to help support vulnerable families on both sides of the border.

The international community must continue to advocate for and deliver humanitarian aid provision and support for basic human needs through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the UN agencies.  

Islamic Relief calls on all parties to ensure that the efficient provision of humanitarian aid is made possible, and unrestricted, prompt, secure, and unimpeded access for all humanitarian personnel, including women, is applied in accordance with international law. This applies to United Nations agencies, international and local non-governmental organisations, and other humanitarian actors.  

Islamic Relief’s work in Afghanistan

Islamic Relief, a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), has been working in Afghanistan for over 20 years. Recently, our teams on the ground have distributed 13,061 food packs to the most vulnerable families in Kabul, Nangarhar, Balkh, Bamiyan, and Kapisa provinces. Qurbani meat distributions to over 10,000 families have also been carried out.

We are also running eight mobile health teams, which provide the only source of healthcare for many Afghans who are living in the country’s most remote rural areas. This includes hygiene and water storage kits, to help prevent the spread of illness and disease.

As Afghans anticipate the harshness of the winter season and what it has to bring, including a threat to their very survival, we are on the ground, distributing heaters and fuel, blankets, clothes, and shelter materials to thousands of families.

The psychological impact of the crisis unfolding, and years of conflict, is taking its toll on Afghan communities. We are also providing people with home visits, to help support their mental health during this unfathomable time.

We continue to raise awareness and support women facing gender-based violence. Our teams in the UK have also supported Afghan refugee families by providing hot meals and delivering essential sanitary items.