On 13 September, the United Nations will convene a High-Level Ministerial Event on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan to highlight the acute needs in the country and underscore the urgent funding support and actions required by international partners to support the people of Afghanistan.
The country faces an extremely dire situation and is confronted with protracted conflict, severe drought and the COVID-19 pandemic in a context where some 18 million Afghans – almost half of the population – were already in need of aid. More than 550,000 people have been displaced in the country since January 2021. One in three Afghans is experiencing crisis or emergency level of food insecurity, and more than half of the children under-five are at the brink of acute malnutrition. The severe drought is compounding the humanitarian crisis, and the upcoming winter conditions are expected to be harsh. Humanitarian partners are therefore calling for urgent supplies for the country.
It is crucial for the international community to take swift action to ensure that humanitarian funding to support the people of Afghanistan is scaled up, while remaining flexible and responsive to escalating needs. On 7 September, OCHA will release a Flash Appeal covering the most pressing humanitarian needs and funding requirements for the next four months.
The UN remains committed to deliver impartial humanitarian assistance and protection to millions of people in need. Development gains must also be protected to link the humanitarian response with Afghanistan’s medium- and long-term stability. Women’s and girls’ rights, safety and wellbeing are an essential part of that link.
Event overview and objectives
- Raise awareness of the deteriorating humanitarian situation and acute humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and highlight the remaining gaps and challenges.
- Galvanize support for the updated, consolidated Flash Appeal and Humanitarian Response Plan, and advocate for the timely mobilization of scaled-up resources that are flexible and frontloaded to facilitate a continued and effective humanitarian response.
- Appeal to ensure unimpeded life-saving humanitarian access for civilian populations and
continuity of basic and essential services. - Provide an opportunity for partners to express solidarity and commitments to the Afghan people, while recognizing that pledges for the humanitarian response in the country are strongly encouraged but will not be limited to this event.
Format and participation
This High-Level Ministerial Event will take place on Monday, 13 September from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Geneva (CET) / 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. New York (EDT).
The session will be opened by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, followed by remarks from UN Principals.
For more information, you may visit the event webpage here.