Australian Red Cross is raising funds to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.
Funds raised will go to:
- Vital healthcare and other humanitarian assistance delivered by Red Cross and Red Crescent partners in Afghanistan
- Supporting communities in Australia to locate and reconnect with missing family in Afghanistan caught up in the crisis
The Head of International Humanitarian Programs at Australian Red Cross, Adrian Prouse, said the situation in Kabul and elsewhere is distressing.
"Afghanistan is one of the world's most fragile states. We know that humanitarian needs will remain high and are likely to increase," he said.
The Head of Mission of the ICRC in Australia, David Tuck, says thousands of people were wounded and displaced due to recent fighting.
"Over the course of this month [August], more than 7,600 people have received care at ICRC-supported health facilities across Afghanistan. Hospitals and physical rehabilitation centres continue to operate, delivering urgent humanitarian assistance," he said.
The political upheaval in Afghanistan is compounding the effects of an ongoing severe drought with worsening food and water shortages, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deepening crisis comes as aid organisations mark World Humanitarian Day (August 19th).
Afghan Red Crescent Society, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent will remain on the ground in Afghanistan delivering relief operations and health services.
"Red Cross and Red Crescent teams work in Afghanistan, and they need your help," Mr Prouse said.
Donations can be made online at redcross.org.au/Afghanistan or via credit card by phoning 1800 REDCROSS, 9am to 5pm AEDT.
