Urgent humanitarian needs needed at donor conference in Afghanistan as economy teeters on brink of collapse – Afghanistan

Statement by Michael McKean, Executive Director of Mercy Corps Europe

“With the world’s attention focused on Ukraine, the international community must not turn its back on Afghans who are in dire need of assistance. Today’s pledging conference to mobilize support for Afghanistan comes at a critical time as the country faces the imminent collapse of its economic and social systems, with millions of lives at stake.

“More than 24 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian assistance and 95% of the population are not getting enough to eat. Broken health systems, deteriorating public services and a devastating winter have pushed Afghans living on the brink further into crisis.

“We are calling on donors to ensure this $4.4 billion funding appeal is met and to maintain funding for development and economic recovery initiatives alongside humanitarian funding, which is flexible, multi-annual and also supports local community organizations Available.

“At the same time, humanitarian aid cannot replace a functioning economy. The Afghan economy is currently being crippled by hyperinflation, a critical shortage of cash, a dysfunctional central bank and unpaid civil servants, leading to a collapse in public services. Even as donors take action to respond to the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing today, they must invest in realistic solutions that support the failing banking system and tackle sanctions and liquidity problems head-on. The summit must also involve the World Bank, the IMF and others international financial institutions re-integrate institutions, including regional banks, to strengthen the economy. Without bank balance and a functioning financial services industry, humanitarian funding, while critical, will not be sufficient.”

Mercy Corps has worked in Afghanistan since 1986, working with communities to improve the quality of life for Afghans, from better sanitation to agriculture and job training. Mercy Corps programs have helped young people improve their employment opportunities and addressed skill shortages by providing vocational training for in-demand jobs. Mercy Corps has also worked to strengthen the agricultural sector and increase food production in Afghanistan.