Aiding Afghanistan: Strategies For Sustainable Support And Empowerment

Afghanistan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of urgent aid. The country has been plagued by violent conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes. The situation has been further exacerbated by the Taliban's takeover of the government, resulting in the suspension of most non-humanitarian funding and the freezing of assets. This has led to a decline in the economy, with nearly half the population living in poverty.

The crisis has had a devastating impact on the lives of Afghans, particularly women and children, who face a lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities like clean water and safe shelter. In addition, there is a growing food insecurity issue, with millions facing extreme hunger and the risk of famine.

However, there are ways to help Afghanistan and Afghans in danger. Various organizations are working tirelessly to deliver aid and support to those in need. Individuals can contribute by donating to reputable charities and organizations, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNICEF, and the World Food Program, among others.

Donate to charities providing humanitarian relief, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and UNICEF

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and UNICEF are two of the most prominent humanitarian relief organizations providing aid to Afghanistan. Both organizations have been working in Afghanistan for decades, providing essential support to vulnerable Afghans, particularly women and children.

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The IRC has been responding to the crisis in Afghanistan since 1988, delivering vital humanitarian relief to Afghans affected by conflict, natural disasters, and economic collapse. They provide a range of services, including:

• Emergency cash assistance and protection services for internally displaced people.
• Support for displaced families with shelter, clean water, sanitation, and other basic necessities.
• Cash assistance and livelihood opportunities.
• Safe learning spaces and community-based education.

The IRC is committed to staying in Afghanistan as long as they are needed and has a strong track record of efficient use of donor contributions and effective work.

UNICEF

UNICEF has been on the ground in Afghanistan for over 70 years, working tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of children. They provide a range of humanitarian and developmental aid, including:

• Preventing the collapse of the health system and treating children at risk of malnutrition.
• Providing salaries and critical supplies for health workers and ensuring power supply in health facilities.
• Supplying water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, including solar-powered water pumps.
• Advocating for girls' education and supporting community-based education programs.
• Providing child protection services in health clinics, classrooms, and border crossings.

UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary contributions and donations from governments and private donors to carry out its crucial work in Afghanistan and around the world.

How to Donate:

You can donate directly to the IRC and UNICEF through their websites:

• IRC: https://www.rescue.org
• UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org

Support organisations that are working to deliver aid to people in Afghanistan, like the World Food Program and the International Committee of the Red Cross

The World Food Programme (WPF) has been present in Afghanistan since 1963. It works with partners to ensure that humanitarian principles are in line and that assistance reaches conflict- and disaster-affected populations. The WPF also supports transformative actions that strengthen the resilience and livelihoods of individuals and communities, with a special focus on women, and support local economies, thus contributing to the long-term development and stability of the country. The WPF provides unconditional, fortified, and nutritionally balanced food assistance to vulnerable groups, including people displaced by conflict, those affected by natural disasters, refugees, and returnees from neighbouring countries. They also work with communities to strengthen their ability to reduce the risk of disasters and adapt to climate change, while also creating employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is responding to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by providing healthcare, supporting healthcare infrastructure, rehabilitation support, assisting people in establishing livelihoods and incomes, helping separated families reconnect, and improving access to clean water, sanitation, and energy, together with the Afghan Red Crescent and other partners. The ICRC provides humanitarian relief to victims of armed conflict and remains a politically and religiously neutral organisation, offering services to communities in dire need of support.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) delivers life-saving services and aid to Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons in humanitarian crises. They provide educational resources, healthcare, and social and legal support to refugees, particularly those most vulnerable, such as women and children. They also assist Afghan refugees with assimilation into their new communities by offering language courses and education and employment support. The IRC has been working in Afghanistan since 1988, and in 2023, they served nearly 2 million clients with health services, over 250,000 with economic recovery and development aid, and almost 200,000 through educational programs.

The British Red Cross is also supporting newly arrived people from Afghanistan at airports and along their journey in the UK. They are calling for urgent donations to their Afghanistan Crisis Appeal, which delivers food, medical supplies, water, and shelter.

Advocate for increased humanitarian assistance from governments and organisations, such as the Biden Administration in the US

Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of aid. The country has endured decades of violent conflict, natural disasters, and economic collapse, resulting in widespread poverty and food insecurity. The situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, consecutive droughts, and the suspension of development assistance.

As one of the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the Biden Administration has played a crucial role in providing aid to the country. However, the challenge of delivering aid to Afghanistan while the Taliban is in control has raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds and the legitimacy of the Taliban regime.

• Continue to provide and increase financial aid: The Biden Administration has already provided significant financial assistance to Afghanistan, including approximately $2 billion in humanitarian aid and an additional $700 million in basic needs assistance. However, with the scale and severity of the crisis, more funding is needed. The administration can commit to increasing aid funding and work with other international donors to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
• Support independent organizations: The Biden Administration should continue to work with independent organizations such as the United Nations and other international aid organizations to deliver humanitarian assistance on the ground. These organizations have the experience and capacity to reach vulnerable communities and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
• Address food insecurity: A significant portion of the Afghan population is facing extreme hunger and malnutrition. The administration can prioritize funding for food assistance and support organizations working to address food insecurity, such as the World Food Program.
• Focus on vulnerable groups: Women, girls, and minorities in Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable and have faced severe restrictions on their rights under the Taliban regime. The administration should continue to prioritize the protection and inclusion of these groups in their assistance programs, ensuring that they have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
• Support basic needs and services: In addition to immediate humanitarian relief, the administration can focus on supporting basic needs such as education, health, livelihoods, and agriculture. This includes providing assistance to maintain and improve access to essential services like healthcare, education, and clean water and sanitation.
• Engage regional partners: The United States should continue to engage with regional partners such as Qatar, Pakistan, and Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. These partners can play a crucial role in ensuring that aid reaches those in need and can help navigate the complex political and logistical challenges of delivering aid to Afghanistan.
• Monitor and safeguard aid delivery: To ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients, the administration should implement robust monitoring and safeguard mechanisms. This includes working with independent third-party monitoring groups and cooperating with oversight bodies to prevent interference and diversion of assistance by the Taliban.

By increasing humanitarian assistance and following these strategies, the Biden Administration and other governments can help address the urgent needs of the Afghan people and support the country through this challenging period.

Volunteer to help Afghans resettle, for example, by setting up apartments for newly-arrived refugees or mentoring families as they acclimate to a new country

There are several ways to volunteer and help Afghans resettle in a new country. Here are some suggestions:

Setting up apartments for newly-arrived refugees

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global non-profit organisation that has been aiding people displaced by war, persecution, or natural disaster in Afghanistan since 1988. They provide displaced families with shelter, clean water, sanitation, and other basic necessities. The IRC's Phoenix office is looking for volunteers to help set up apartments for newly-arrived refugees. This includes ensuring that families have a fully furnished and welcoming home with essential items such as kitchenware, cleaning products, and school supplies.

Mentoring and tutoring families

The IRC's offices in Denver and Missoula are seeking volunteers to mentor and assist families as they acclimate to a new country. This may involve helping them with appointments, taking them to local attractions, cooking together, and providing general support. Additionally, some offices are looking for English language or citizenship exam tutors and people to help with tech support and digital literacy.

Providing transportation and meals

The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is another organisation that helps Afghan refugees. They are looking for volunteers to assist with airport pickups, meal assistance, and other support services. LIRS has a general standby list for individuals who are not in the areas where their efforts are focused (Washington, D.C., Washington State, and Texas).

Donating essential items

Both the IRC and LIRS accept donations of essential items for Afghan refugees. This includes new or gently used items such as furniture, household goods, kitchenware, cleaning products, laptops, and items for children, such as strollers or car seats. Monetary donations are also appreciated, as they provide flexibility in addressing urgent needs.

Spread awareness about the Afghanistan crisis and show solidarity with the Afghan people

Spreading awareness about the Afghanistan crisis and showing solidarity with the Afghan people is crucial in garnering support and assistance for those affected. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Education and Awareness:

• Learn about the Crisis: Understand the complex and dire situation in Afghanistan, including the impact of decades of conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters. Know the facts, such as the number of people displaced, the lack of access to basic necessities, and the growing humanitarian needs.
• Share Information: Educate your community, friends, and family about the Afghanistan crisis. Use reliable sources and share facts, statistics, and personal stories to help others understand the magnitude of the issue. Social media platforms, community events, and local gatherings can be great avenues to spread awareness.
• Collaborate with Local Media: Reach out to local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, or television news channels. Share your concerns, knowledge, and ideas for supporting Afghanistan. This can help bring attention to the crisis and encourage others to take action.

Solidarity and Support:

• Show Solidarity Online: Use your online platforms to demonstrate solidarity with the Afghan people. Share informative posts, infographics, or personal stories to raise awareness and show your support. You can use relevant hashtags to join global conversations and reach a wider audience.
• Contact Local Representatives: Write, call, or email your local representatives, such as members of parliament or city council members. Express your concerns about the Afghanistan crisis and encourage them to take action. You can also invite them to speak at community events or engage in discussions about the issue.
• Support Afghan Refugees: If there are Afghan refugees in your community, reach out and offer assistance. This could include helping them access essential services, providing language support, or simply offering a friendly welcome. Showing solidarity and support to those who have been displaced can make a significant difference in their lives.
• Donate and Volunteer: Consider donating to reputable organizations working on the ground in Afghanistan. These organizations provide essential humanitarian aid, such as food, shelter, and medical care. Additionally, look for opportunities to volunteer with these organizations to directly support their efforts in assisting the Afghan people.

Remember, spreading awareness and showing solidarity are powerful tools in advocating for those affected by the Afghanistan crisis. Your efforts can help bring much-needed attention and assistance to those in need.

Frequently asked questions