NRC Urges Immediate Global Action to Prevent Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
Tawazun – The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has raised urgent concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, warning that it is currently facing the most challenging conditions in its 22 years of operations in the country. In a recent report, the NRC cited a significant reduction in international aid as the key reason for closing several of its offices and laying off staff.
The organization called on the international community to take swift and decisive action to prevent further deterioration, particularly in light of the forced return of thousands of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran. It stressed that the people of Afghanistan require immediate and long-term support, not only for survival but also for rebuilding lives with dignity and hope.
The report highlighted growing poverty and deprivation in western Afghanistan, where thousands of people are migrating daily to Iran in search of employment and better living conditions, while many others are being deported. According to the NRC, a large number of impoverished families now live on the fringes of major cities, where living conditions resemble those of displacement camps.
Returnees and deportees from Iran, the report noted, face numerous challenges, including unemployment, limited access to education, and violations of basic human rights.
Despite a severe decline in humanitarian aid from the international community, including from the United States, the NRC reaffirmed its commitment to continue operations in Afghanistan. The organization emphasized its determination to support men, women, and children affected by decades of conflict and climate change, ensuring that these vulnerable communities are not forgotten.
One of the critical challenges identified by the NRC is the shortage of female aid workers, which has significantly hindered the ability of displaced and returning women and children to access essential services.
The NRC called for coordinated international efforts to stabilize the situation and ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need across Afghanistan.
