Only 10% of needed funds secured as over 2.6M people return to country in crisis, says International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Monday raised alarm over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, warning that the country is buckling under the weight of multiple crises and a growing influx of returnees from neighboring countries.
"The IFRC is deeply concerned about the future of people living in and returning to Afghanistan, a country that is already facing multiple, overlapping crises," the organization said in a statement.
According to UNHCR data, more than 2.6 million people have returned from Pakistan and Iran, many arriving with no possessions or means to rebuild their lives.
"If the international community doesn't step up now, communities in Afghanistan will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people returning," Sami Fakhouri, the head of delegation of IFRC Afghanistan, said.
The IFRC stressed that humanitarian operations are already under severe strain due to funding shortfalls.
"We're already having to make tough choices, like whether we have enough funding to continue providing even the most basic support, such as food at the borders for those returning. Right now, only 10 percent of the required funding has been secured," added Fakhouri.
