The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recently stated that women, children, and persons with disabilities in Afghanistan are at the forefront of crises.
In a published report, the ICRC noted that Afghanistan will continue to face significant humanitarian challenges in 2024, stemming from economic crises, natural disasters, and the consequences of prolonged conflicts.
The ICRC emphasized that international sanctions and a decrease in foreign aid have created further problems across Afghanistan.
The report continued by stating that these issues have worsened the situation in a country where millions are facing poverty, food insecurity, and difficulties accessing healthcare.
It highlighted that the condition of women, children, and persons with disabilities throughout Afghanistan is alarming, and they are exposed to the greatest risks.
The report cited Katrin Ritz, head of the ICRC delegation, stating that Afghanistan urgently needs the attention and long-term assistance of the international community to address this critical situation.
Additionally, part of the report mentioned the dangers posed by explosive materials in various regions of Afghanistan, describing explosives as a serious threat to the Afghan people.
The report provided statistics indicating that in 2024, 455 civilians, including 359 children, lost their lives or were injured in 234 incidents related to these dangers.
The ICRC emphasized that, in collaboration with the Afghan Red Crescent Society, it has trained over 240,000 people in areas contaminated by explosive ordnance to help reduce risks.
The committee added that alongside physical rehabilitation programs for more than 200,000 persons with disabilities in Afghanistan, it has assisted them in starting new lives.
Moreover, the report stressed the necessity for greater attention from the international community to the immediate and long-term needs of the Afghan people, especially women and children.
