The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that thousands of families across Afghanistan are struggling to cope with the harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius in some areas. The agency has called on the international community and humanitarian organisations to provide urgent assistance, including warm clothing, heating equipment and shelter.
Amaya Martinez, a Spanish staff member of UNHCR, said in a video shared from one of the agency’s warehouses in Kabul that many families lack access to even the most basic necessities required to protect themselves against the winter cold.
Speaking on Friday about the difficult living conditions during the winter season, she said thousands of families were in vulnerable circumstances, with people struggling every day to keep themselves warm amid freezing temperatures.
UNHCR has urged humanitarian organisations to contribute financial resources and humanitarian assistance to help meet the basic needs of vulnerable families.
The appeal comes amid widespread migrant returns, an economic crisis, rising poverty and shortages of essential services, all of which have further worsened living conditions for many Afghan families. The severe winter cold has added to their hardships, increasing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) had previously warned that its winter assistance programme for more than 140,000 people was at risk of being suspended due to a funding shortfall of USD 8.8 million.
The organisation warned that without additional funding, tens of thousands of people would be left without adequate protection against the severe winter cold and could be deprived of life-saving assistance.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
