The United Nations warned on Monday at a conference in Geneva that millions of Afghans, including children, are on the verge of hunger and might die before winter. António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, encouraged the international community to help Afghans suffering from poverty, which has risen since the Taliban seized power in August.
Many Afghans had to flee their homes when the fighting escalated in August. It is estimated that 3.5 million people are displaced within Afghanistan. Due to closed businesses and trade, families lost their source of income. Prices have increased on the local market, forcing countless Afghans to skip meals, unsure of how or when they would be able to purchase their next meal. With the severe drought and the impending winter, Afghans are vulnerable suffering from starvation and homelessness.
Mr. Guterres said that “after decades of war, suffering and security, they face perhaps their most perilous hour.” Afghanistan’s economy has collapsed as a result of depending on international aid. With the Taliban in power, there’s little money circulation in the country. Hospitals that rely on foreign nations for healthcare essentials and maintenance experienced staffing and medicines shortages following the evacuation of international aid workers. Banks have closed, the International Monetary Fund has temporarily halted payments, and the United States has frozen Afghanistan government assets in the U.S., preventing the Taliban from accessing any funds.
Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken defended the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Stating that there was no indication the country would stabilize even if the United States remained longer and continued to support Afghanistan, the result would have been the same.
The United States ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, pledged $68 million to Afghanistan’s immediate assistance, France donated $118 million, China offered $31 million, and Palestine delivered supplies. In total, “donors pledges more than 1billion” expected to arrive through international organizations already working in Afghanistan. The U.N. emphasized the significance of collaborating with the Taliban for humanitarian relief in need. Now, it’s up to the Taliban’s commitments to ensure the safety of aid workers and the deliveries of food and supplies to reach Afghans in need.
Even though the aid package will not solve all the problems in Afghanistan, the international community hopes the donations will ease food shortages. As for Afghanistan’s economy to flourish, the Taliban will need to demonstrate to the international community that they can govern their country effectively while respecting human rights.
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