Several charities have launched emergency appeals for Afghanistan after Taliban militants took control of the country.
UK for UNHCR
UK for UNHCR has launched an urgent appeal for funds so that the UN Refugee Agency can continue delivering support for displaced people across the country.
This year, more than 550,000 civilians have been forced to flee their homes, including 390,000 people who have fled since May.
Emma Cherniavsky, chief executive of UK for UNHCR, said: “As we witness the heartbreaking and harrowing scenes in Kabul and across Afghanistan, we are deeply concerned that more and more people will be displaced in the coming days. UNHCR is on the ground delivering essential aid, but more support is needed urgently.”
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross launched an emergency appeal for Afghanistan, stating: “Millions of people are suffering from the legacy of decades of conflict, severe food shortages and hunger - compounded by years of extreme drought.
“The dry ground has led to flash flooding this year, destroying livelihoods and forcing more people to leave their homes – amid the ever-present threat of Covid-19.
“We are committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and have been working on the ground for 30 years. We will not stop now. In a spirit of neutrality, independence and impartiality, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement works with all communities and in all regions to help reach and assist those most vulnerable.”
Islamic Relief UK
Islamic Relief UK has launched an emergency appeal for Afghanistan in response to the mass displacement of civilians following an escalation in the conflict.
The UK appeal aims to raise £1m to support aid efforts over the next two weeks to 27 August.
The charity has identified the capital city of Kabul and the provinces of Balkh and Nangarhar as areas in need of immediate support.
Islamic Relief will help displaced families with food, emergency shelter, hygiene and water storage kits.
Its Covid-19 response in Afghanistan has reached over 308,514 people, and the charity says that it continues to raise awareness and support women facing gender-based violence.
Zia Salik, head of fundraising at Islamic Relief UK, said: “We are deeply concerned by the current situation unfolding in Afghanistan. Already this month we have launched an emergency appeal in response to the threat of famine – and now, to compound the dire situation, we are seeing huge swathes of the country fleeing conflict.
“As a humanitarian organisation, it’s imperative that we do all we can do aid the thousands of civilians who have been displaced.”
World Scouting
The World Scout Bureau is coordinating a crowdfunding effort through the Scout Donation Platform so that people can contribute to The Afghanistan National Scout Organization (ANSO) efforts.
A statement from World Scouting reads: “ANSO advised that while the situation remains very challenging and is changing rapidly, the locations from which Scouts are providing assistance to their local communities remain safe, although movement is restricted. ANSO is focused on distributing essential supplies for local communities.”
Women for Afghan Women
Women for Afghan Women (WAW) posted a statement calling for an end to violence and asking for donations.
The charity states it is “heartbroken at the speed and extent to which the violence and escalating conflict in Afghanistan has threatened the innocent lives of millions and displaced hundreds of thousands”.
Adding: “But we are determined to employ every resource we have to meet the needs of the emergency currently engulfing Afghanistan and its people.
“We urgently appeal to all parties to respect the sanctity of life and all human rights. And, we call upon all our international partners to continue their support to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time.”
AMAR Foundation
AMAR Foundation has launched an emergency appeal to help Afghanistan’s girls and women.
“AMAR’s experienced medics are ready to help with emergency health and other care. But we need your donations to help in any way we can,” a statement from the charity reads.
It adds: “AMAR Foundation has unique, previous experience and provided emergency healthcare to 150,000 Afghan girls and women, earlier refugees from the Taliban. We know the devastation this brings to innocent people.”
