Afghanistan has long been facing conflicts, the effects of climate change and poverty. The recent takeover of the country by the Taliban will inevitably deepen the humanitarian crisis and significantly worsen the security situation in the country. A large number of Afghans have no choice but to flee the country and seek a safer place to live. A significant increase in the number of refugees in the surrounding states is expected. In response to the situation, Caritas Czech Republic is launching the appeal Caritas Czech Republic for Afghanistan to help refugees in neighbouring countries.
"People in Afghanistan have long been exposed to violence, displacement and poverty. Due to the deteriorating security situation, more than half a million internally displaced persons have been added this year alone, 80% of whom are women and children,” explains Jiří Škvor, Head of the Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation Department of Caritas Czech Republic. "At the same time, the number of those who cross Afghanistan's borders into neighbouring countries is growing significantly," he added.
World organizations are calling on these states to keep their borders open and allow those in imminent danger to escape from Afghanistan. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which monitors the situation inside the country, draws attention to the movement of a significant number of people towards the border.
There are already 2.6 million Afghans who have fled the country as a result of the long-running conflict, of which 2.2 million are in Iran and Pakistan. The living conditions of many of the Afghans who have remained, are already very complicated, and the current situation will only deepen the crisis. The UN calls for an immediate increase in humanitarian aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Public collection and assistance of Caritas Czech Republic
"The impending humanitarian crisis is probably one of the largest we have seen in the world in the last decade," warns Škvor. "Caritas Czech Republic is therefore sending experienced humanitarian workers to the site in the coming days," he adds. Their main task is to map the situation and verify the immediate needs in order to start providing timely and effective assistance to refugees with the most pressing humanitarian needs.
"In the next phase, we will support the long-term stabilization of Afghan refugees in the new countries, ensuring their livelihoods and a self-sufficient and dignified life," explains Škvor. Caritas Czech Republic has long and successfully focused on helping to build sustainable livelihoods for people in similar life situations.
Caritas Czech Republic is therefore ready to help where it is needed in connection with the crisis in Afghanistan and is announcing the appeal Caritas Czech Republic for Afghanistan, account number 55660022/0800, variable symbol 173. Caritas Czech Republic has also donated 300 000 CZK to the appeal from its emergency fund.
Contribute to help those who need it immediately. With your support, we can help provide for the basic needs of those who have had to flee armed violence, while supporting them to get back on their feet.
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