Afghanistan has reached a staggering count of 6.55 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), positioning itself as the world’s second-largest host of displaced individuals, following Syria. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), this unsettling statistic highlights the severity of the situation in the country. A substantial 4.39 million people are internally displaced due to ongoing conflicts and violence as of December 31, 2022. An additional 2.16 million have been displaced by disasters. The report also raises concerns about the potential escalation of global displacement over the next three decades.
The UNDP’s findings shed light on the dire living conditions faced by these displaced populations. Malik Khan, who relocated from Laghman province to Kabul due to conflict and instability, highlighted the lack of assistance available to internally displaced people. “Our main issue is that there is no assistance for internally displaced people,” he stated, recounting that the aid received in the past years only consisted of minimal quantities of oil and peas.
While some internally displaced individuals have called upon the Taliban and aid organizations for support, many continue to endure challenges in search of basic necessities. Maryam, another displaced person, appealed to the Islamic Emirate for shelter and assistance, emphasizing the need for a stable place and essential services like clinics. Hayatullah, displaced from Balkh province, shared his struggles, including water and electricity shortages, and the lack of educational opportunities for his children.
The displacement crisis in Afghanistan arises from multiple factors, including poverty, insecurity, and conflicts. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) had previously reported a surge in the number of internally displaced people within the country, estimating the figure to be nearly six million people. As Afghanistan grapples with these challenges, addressing the needs of its displaced populations remains a crucial humanitarian concern.
Sources By Agencies