United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has warned of a looming “humanitarian catastrophe” in Afghanistan. Guterres has urged the countries to provide emergency funding following the final departure of American troops and the full Taliban takeover.
On Tuesday, the chief expressed his “grave concern at the deepening humanitarian and economic crisis in the country” and also added that the basic services threatened to collapse “completely”. He said that now more than ever the children of Afghan and women and men need the support and solidarity of the international community. He pleaded for financial support from the nations in his statement. He also urged all the member states to dig deep for the people of Afghanistan as they face their darkest hour of need and asked them to provide timely, flexible, and comprehensive funding.
Currently, the $1.3 billion appeals by UN humanitarian aid for Afghanistan is only 39 percent funded according to the UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. In the coming week, the details will be flashed for Afghanistan. It will contain information about the “most immediate humanitarian needs and funding requirements” required over the next four months.
“The entire UN system” will be coordinated by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Martin Griffiths.
