The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ( IFRC ) has issued a pressing call for a fundamental shift in humanitarian strategies in Afghanistan as the country grapples with a deepening crisis. The current trajectory, they warn, is unsustainable and demands a holistic reevaluation of aid efforts to address the root causes effectively.
The Afghan Red Crescent Society, in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent Society, is spearheading this initiative with a pivotal partnership meeting in Doha. Representatives from a diverse array of national societies, including those from Britain, Canada, Japan, and Türkiye, are convening to deliberate on innovative approaches to tackling Afghanistan's multifaceted humanitarian challenges.
Mawlawi Mutiul Haq Khales, Acting President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating;
“Communities are lurching from crisis to crisis at a time when their resilience is sub-zero and their coping mechanisms are exhausted.”
Khales implored international partners to adopt a long-term perspective, prioritizing investment in Afghan capacity, infrastructure, and systems to foster sustainable solutions.
The crisis in Afghanistan is characterized by a convergence of factors, including protracted conflict, climate instability, and economic turmoil, exacerbating the plight of over 24 mn people. To address these intertwined challenges effectively, Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, stressed the importance of empowering local institutions like the Afghan Red Crescent.
Matheou underscored the need to transition from short-term emergency responses to comprehensive resilience-building initiatives that promote economic independence and social cohesion. He highlighted the pivotal role of education and vocational training in empowering Afghan youth and fostering hope for a brighter future.
The IFRC's advocacy for a paradigm shift in humanitarian aid reflects a growing recognition within the international community of the imperative to adopt innovative, sustainable approaches to address protracted crises effectively.
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