Afghanistan’s Dire Humanitarian Situation
How Can the International Community Alleviate the Crisis and Protect Afghan Livelihoods?
In the two years since the Taliban takeover, the Afghan economy has crumbled, the financial system has largely collapsed, and the international community has opted for unified nonrecognition of the Taliban. Donors and NGOs now face the immense challenge of meeting the needs of the Afghan people under these dire conditions. With an overwhelming majority of Afghans living in severe poverty, and with limited international support, these organizations have had to navigate delicate engagement with an unrecognized government while continuing to provide vital assistance and services.
Recently, the humanitarian situation has only grown more urgent, compounded by the Taliban’s increased restrictions against Afghan female staffers at NGOs. Donors’ priorities are also changing, leading to concerns about a steep drop in funding for humanitarian activities in the country. While nonrecognition serves a purpose, it does not eliminate the enormous humanitarian and economic crisis in the country. In order to effectively respond to the humanitarian crisis, the international community must develop a clear and effective response.
On July 12, USIP, the International Rescue Committee, CARE, and the Norwegian Refugee Council hosted a discussion with distinguished experts and activists to assess the current economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and its impact on the Afghan people. The conversation also explored how the situation could evolve as the Taliban continue to hold power — and what the international community can do to support the Afghan people in light of changing priorities and funding.
Continue the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #AfghanistanUSIP.
Panelists
William Byrd, moderator
Senior Expert, Afghanistan, U.S. Institute of Peace
Melissa Cornet
Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor, CARE
Khalid Payenda
Director and co-founder, Institute for Development and Economic Studies (IDEA)
Samira Sayed-Rahman
Director of Policy, Advocacy and Communications, International Rescue Committee
